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

[Brian Cameron <Brian Cameron Sun COM>]

Claus:

I think a link that explains why free software is good for society
is a good idea.  Something like the following two links would be
nice:

  http://www.fsf.org/about/what-is-free-software
  http://www.gnu.org/doc/TOC-FSFS.html

Perhaps the first mention of the term "free software" could just
be a link to one of these pages?

> 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.

Agreed, but I still think it is useful to try and encourage people
from a non-technical perspective to consider donating, and to understand
why donating is a good thing.  I think your work is a good start.

> 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.

Agreed.  If we can ever figure out what a "desktop" is, then this sort
of information probably best belongs on the GNOME "About" website.

> 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.

"Millions" is a big number.  Can we site a resource?  If not, perhaps
we should be more vague and say something like "People around the world
are discovering the advantages of using GNOME.  If you have not yet made
the switch to supporting free software, there is no time like the
present!"

> Available at no costs, it

You should say "cost" instead of "costs".  I would say "GNOME"
rather than "it".

> helps children to learn about computers, 

I would say "helps children to learn about computers.  It is the
operating system used by the "One Laptop Per Child program.  Free
software makes it possible to provide computers to more people who
otherwise would do without."

> foreigners to talk to each other,

Specifying information about which 3rd world languages are supported by
GNOME that are not supported by proprietary operating systems would
have more of an impact than just saying "[helps] foreigners talk to each
other" which could be misunderstood (GNOME doesn't provide translation
software, for example).  Perhaps a link here would be nice:

  http://l10n.gnome.org/languages/

> researchers to develop new ideas, and smaller companies to
> compete in a global economy.

I don't think we should limit ourselves to suggesting GNOME is only
useful to "smaller companies".  All of these benefits are basically
side-effects of GNOME being "an affordable, in fact free, desktop that
people and business can use to be more competitive and allows those
who might not otherwise be able to afford a desktop to join the
information age."

The fact that GNOME provides free accessibility support would be good to
include in the first paragraph rather than the second.  Maybe a link
would also be nice so people can read more.

http://live.gnome.org/Accessibility

> 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?

This paragraph seems to be mostly restating what is said in the first
paragraph.  Aside from moving the a11y information to the first
paragraph, I think this paragraph could be removed.

> 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.

I'd think the first occurance of the term "GNOME" could just be a link
to the About page.

Just my thoughts.

Brian