Re: Revamping Friends of GNOME: help with web page text (with updated text!)

[Claus Schwarm <c schwarm gmx net>]

Hi,

these are really interesting results, and it might be useful to
remember that any campaign has a target audience.

People who never used Linux or GNOME before are unlikely to respond
and act on ads for a 'Friends of GNOME' program. To respond to their
'requirements' would be useless.

It may also be counter-productive: By adding stuff like a description
of what a desktop is, you'd annoy people who do know what it is.

Maybe, it might be better to live with some of the issues mentioned
in the feedback. I've reformulated the text a little bit to give it a
slightly different meaning; it's just a suggestion for discussion. 


[snip]

A free and open source desktop for everyone

Millions of people already use GNOME, today. Available at no costs, it
helps children to learn about computers, foreigners to talk to each
other, researchers to develop new ideas, and smaller companies to
compete in a global economy.

GNOME offers nearly every thing you need your computer to do –
accessible, in your language, and freely available. Maybe, it already
helps you, too, so you can reach your goals and make your life a
better one?

All of this is possible because of the work and dedication of
innumerable volunteers: developers, artists, writers, designers, and
testers alike. They spend their valuable time and knowledge to work on
a common goal, to provide a free and open source desktop for all.

Help support their work! Become a Friend of GNOME and select one of
these programs now:

 * Adopt a Volunteer $10+ (Monthly Donation) 
   You get: A set of GNOME stickers, a postcard from your favorite
hacker and recognition of your contribution. 

[snip]

If you're still worried about the "What is GNOME?" question, link
'offers nearly every thing' to the GNOME About page.

If you'd like to promote the program, "Adopt a Volunteer" could also be
a potential topic (of 'slogan') for a campaign.


Claus


On Sat, 20 Sep 2008 05:17:44 -0600
"Stormy Peters" <stormy gnome org> wrote:

> I got some feedback from a couple of non-GNOME people. These are
> people that use computers regularly, are somewhat in the technical
> workspace, but not programmers. To be honest, and as a disclaimer and
> to give credit where credit is due, most of the specific feedback
> came from, Anita Lettieri, who is a database administrator/programmer
> (and also my boyfriend's mother. :)
> 
> I've updated the pages. Three things for all of you:
> 
> 
>    - I think we could still use a campaign slogan, especially since I
>    removed the "adopt a hacker" idea. Ideas?
>    - Does anybody have a good page that explains what the desktop is
> or what GNOME is that we could link to? Otherwise, we should probably
> create one.
>    - One last review of the text - I modified the text (especially at
> the beginning) in response to the feedback below.
> 
> Here's the specific feedback and I've attached the modified text.
> 
> Feedback that generates significant changes:
> 
> 
>    - Hacker – BAD!  VIRUS!   I know that in the software world,
> hacker can be a good thing.  But everything in the "other" connects
> hackers to bad stuff happening to your computer. (But "Somehow "adopt
> a software developer" seems too dry…")
>    - Is $10 the only option?  $5 or $25?  Could I also get quarterly
> email updates on what is being accomplished by my specific developer…
> maybe at the $25 or higher level?
>    - Free desktop confusion:
>       - I don't know enough about free desktop.  I need education.
> Is free desktop something I can use?  Does it replace the windows
> operating system?
>       Can I run windows software?  Where do I go for help if I need
> it?  Is there
>       a primer on it that is geared to someone like me?
>       - The ad does a good job of explaining the purpose of the GNOME
>       Foundation and what it supports.  But if I don't know what free
> desktop, open source software, if it will benefit me, I would probably
> not let loose
>       with the bucks.  It would be nice if there was a link like:
> "Undecided? Want to know more about free desktop and how it will
> benefit you?" link. (or "Want to know more about free desktop and why
> it is important – why the
>       world needs it?"  How does the volunteer software developer
> program work?)
>       - FYI, this was repeated by everyone. Most people didn't get
> what part of their computer was the desktop. Windows = Linux, and the
> desktop is ...?
>       Anita suggested a free desktop campaign based on something like
> "pork, the
>       other white meat".)
> 
> Changing in wording:
> 
> 
>    - Maybe change "Monthly" banner to "Monthly Donation"
>    - I would leave out the beer reference.  Good for young and hip.
> Might create a disconnect for people that are older and might have
> more money to contribute.
>    - On fog3.png. The content on the two bottom columns could be
> broken up or divided into very clear divisions...with tables or
> whatever...to make it more appealing to read the big long lists. It
> is a little tiring to try to do that without some clearly divided
> areas.
> 
> Positive feedback:
> 
>    - Pages look great. They really do!
>    - I like the overall look and feel.  It is clean looking and the
> green color reaches out and grabs you.  That and the graphics make me
> think of Ireland and leprechauns for some reason.
>    - I especially liked the "Thanks for your donation" section on the
> second page that spelled out what the different levels of money could
> accomplish.
> 
> Stormy
>