Re: Documentation development processes.

["Dan Mueth" <dan eazel com>]

On Tue, 23 Jan 2001, Alexander Kirillov wrote:

> May I offer my 2 cents worth of comments?
> 
> The process Pat described is very good and thorough, but let's face
> it: at the moment we do not have anywhere near the manpower
> needed. So, IMHO, it is more important to start some kind of
> editing/review/... framework as soon as possible; better have
> something simple working now than a detailed (but unrealistic) plan in
> 4 months. After we get this started, we can add more steps to the
> process. Yes, I undersatnd that this is a trade-off in quality - I am
> ready to accept this. 
> 
> For now I think the top priorities should be finding editors and
> indexers for each document. Can we do that? Do we have enough
> volunteers? 

I think we can certainly try.  My previous experience with recruiting was
fairly positive, and I expect we can get a few experienced indexers and a
few experienced editors without too much trouble.  With a little more
effort, we may be able to assemble larger teams.

I think the key here is to first develop a very good framework for our
process and development. This includes finishing this discussion and
writing it up nicely, as well as thinking through how people will interact
with each other, with CVS, with the DocTable, etc.  If we have a
well-thought-out and documented system set up, I think it will make it
much easier to attract and keep professional indexers and editors.

We also need to decide exactly when we want to start implementing this
system.  The first test release of GNOME 1.4 is scheduled for 3 weeks from
now, with more test releases over the following 6 weeks.  Should we try
implementing the review process soon, or wait until GNOME 1.4 is
finished?

Also, should we wait until the DocTable is updated to reflect the new
system?  Gregory - How long do you think it will take to do the redesign?

Dan