RE: [cobalt-users] Re: Status of the Cobalt Mailing Lists

["David J. Duffner - NWCWEB.com" <cobalt@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>-----Original Message-----
>From: cobalt-users-admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
>[mailto:cobalt-users-admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bruce 
>Timberlake
>Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 5:25 PM
>To: cobalt-users@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Cc: cobalt-developers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; 
>cobalt-security@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; cobaltfacts@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: [cobalt-users] Re: Status of the Cobalt Mailing Lists
>
>
>> Gang, we've got a multitude of groups out there like CobaltFacts
>> and others who are writing software alternatives, packages 
>> and so much more.  Having one 'portal' allowing not only these Lists
>> to continue but also allowing all those groups to at least link
>> together for a one-stop resource center sure seems like the best
>> way to fly?
>
>Yes that would be ideal.  The problem is that there are 
>several groups and/or individuals who want to be "the resource" when
>it comes to non-Sun support, and as such, there are now several resources,
>each providing something slightly different.

	Granted, I've watched that from the background for several years
and spoken with a few of them.  The 'slants' do cause conflict that 
would have to be worked out in a fair and balanced manner.  That, of course,
is like moving a mountain...

>I'm not sure what the solution is. Having a bottleneck of a 
>single webmaster to post/approve content isn't much good, as one entity is 
>still "in control" with that model.

	Hmmm, I see the point there.  What about Linux.org, etc. that seem
to have found a way to be on top but allow all the 3rd parties to get into
the game?  Not sure that's the best model, but there are those software
packages, etc. out there that have achieved a balance.

>If we could work out a way to make contributions easy and 
>equal from all parties, then we'd have something great.  But with several 
>groups building PKGs, providing HOWTOs, etc., there's going to be conflict.

	Well there should be a happy medium hiding in here somewhere.  We're
at the point there's a 'box' and things to go on that box.  Be that the 
stock Cobalt OS, a modded Cobalt OS supported by 3rd parties and those who
have taken to completely different OS's that would reside on the box.  We
have a hardware platform that needs support, various OS's that need support
and promotion so users can make their choices.  This is a constant with 
Linux as you have many OS's on basic PC's like Ensim, cPanel, etc.

>And the actual mechanism needs to be agreed upon - some sort 
>of portal with database on the backend, or a wiki, or text files...

	Well you nailed that right on the head, there isn't a one-stop
location to find all the various subsets out there.  And whoever provides
the base needs to be able to support Lists, Forums (only if they can 
interact with the Lists in some fashion as the newer PHP-based stuff
seems to have the capability) and then a Resource Center filled with
any and all of the 3rd Party stuff out there.  Let the viewer decide
what to take from that collective.  SourceForge provides something like
what it appears is needed, just as a model reference.

>Mailing lists seem to be popular, and are good for asking 
>questions. If people aren't dedicated/conscientious about checking a web
>forum periodically and often, questions could go unanswered for too long.

	Exactly my previous point.  Too much to scan multiple forums and
you end up with people dissatisfied because no answers are given in a 
reasonable timeframe.  Of course we have that in the List from time to
time now! <Grin>

>Portals are better as a knowledgebase that one can search when needed.
>Some sort of combination of the two would be ideal I think.  Maybe an
>RSS feed or something as well for new articles/forum posts that would
>be more "real time" via desktop aggregators or something...?

	Yes, thus my thoughts on copying or moving what already exists
into that same place and possibly organizing it so that it's easier to
find a resolution or solution than (at least) I've seen out there.	

>Also very important -- how to resolve those groups who desire (and are 
>entitled) to make some $$ by providing support services, software updates, 
>hardware repairs, etc.

	You may need to explain this in more detail to get a good response
from the masses.  OpenSource just asks for donations for efforts, which
obviously doesn't return much in many cases.  Those who wish to offer 
paid support and such would easily be given a place to be listed in the
Resource Center, no?  I know some items are already vended on their 
respective websites, those could be tied in with links or possibly a
product review 'catalog' (similar to an e-commerce front) that gave basic
details on the item/service and then the ability to jump to the point of
purchase to pick it up?

	And there's the option of paid advertising on the portal for the 
repair services, etc. that could help fund the hosting of the portal and
all that's related.

>Lots to think about... as always, I'll help however I can.

	I'm with ya, if there's a way I think we've already got the will!

      David J. Duffner
      VP Operations
      NWC Corporation
      NWCWEB.com
      
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