Re: The "What is GNOME?" Answer

[Steve Hall <digitect mindspring com>]

From: Charles Goodwin, 10 Mar 2004 02:04:27 -0000
> On Wed, 2004-03-10 at 01:41, Claus Schwarm wrote:
> 
> > "GNOME is a widely-used and successful combination of desktop
> > enviroment and development platform, providing a flexible
> > framework to simplify computer usage and the building of
> > integrated and attractive applications."
> 
> Too technical... that is the terminology of a developer.
> 
> > "GNOME is a widely-used and successful combination of desktop
> > enviroment and development platform, providing a flexible
> > framework to simplify computer usage."
> 
> Still tries to hard to explain why it simplifies computer usage.
> You'll scare people off by applying terms like 'flexible framework'
> to them.
> 
> > "GNOME - To simplify computing."
> 
> Far too ambiguous. Ergonomic mice simplify computing. Secretaries
> simplify computing. Shouting at monitors simplifies computing.
> 
> We're trying to describe Gnome, not state it's purpose.

GNOME is a lot of things. And I understand the desire to have a
concise definition or marketing phrase for standard press releases.

But why not take advantage of the web's flexible nature and let the
front page highlight *all* the things GNOME is...

  GNOME is: Usable!
  GNOME is: Free!
  GNOME is: Flexible!
  GNOME is: Global!
  GNOME is: Community!
  GNOME is: Easy!
  GNOME is: Everywhere!
  GNOME is: Linux!
  GNOME is: BSD!
  GNOME is:__You!__ 

Imagine a super expensive advertising campaign for your international
product of choice. Do they blow a lot of time defining the product? Of
course not, it's about lifestyle. So is GNOME.

Rather than debate what GNOME is, why not develop a marketing strategy
show off all its angles? Let's make a statement that is as flexible
and all-encompassing as our desktop. Focus on a theme a week. Or a
day. Or a month. Or a sub-site. Or a release. Whatever!

The biggest frustration I've had with the web site is that it is *NOT
FLEXIBLE*. It is monolithic. It's beaurocratic. It's a friggin' act of
congress to change a couple of words. Or a css reference.

The web site needs love. It needs leadership. It needs to change.

[The preceeding statement was brought to you by The Ranting
Cheerleader. Thank you.]


-- 
Steve Hall  [ digitect mindspring com ]