Moving this to [android-discuss]... Sundog wrote: > It is important not to get so involved with our affinity for the > platform that we reject perfectly valid questions. I have wondered > most of these things myself.
The questions aren't so much the concern as the tone. Let's dissect it, one sentence at a time. These are my opinions on how to write a "Future of Android"-type email message to an open source project: >> Hi, We're OK so far. >> I know you all are swamped, probably overloaded with requests, but >> it's really important that a number of issues get addressed promptly. Tip #1: Don't go making demands (e.g., dictating timetables) unless you're pitching in. Alternative phrasing: "I know you all are swamped, probably overloaded with requests, but I'd like to put my two cents' in on some oft-cited issues." >> Many users are on the fence as to whether they'll stick with the >> phone or sell it. Tip #2: Don't cite claimed facts without evidence, or phrase it in the form of a guess or opinion Alternative phrasing: "I, and perhaps others, are on the fence as to whether they'll stick with the phone or sell it". >> Some of the issues have to do with various >> "Activity" menus coming up asking the user to wait or close; the >> device just being sluggish, battery life, SD apps, et al. This is fine: a list of issues. >> In order >> that Android not lose momentum, it is imperative that the upcoming >> Cupcake release make some significant improvements. See Tip #1. Also... Tip #3: Express opinions as opinions, or cite your credentials if you feel they carry the weight of fact (e.g., the "momentum" thing) Alternative phrasing: "I worry about Android perhaps losing momentum if too many people dismiss it because of these issues. I am trying to determine which of these issues Cupcake addresses." >> By way of example >> and although my opinion, a touch keypad is way less imperative than >> basic device functionality. This is fine: stating an opinion as an opinion. >> For now, I'm sticking with the device >> willing to weather the growing pains, others may be less patient. This too is fine. >> Thank you all for your hard work. A nice touch. >> Cupcake was 'supposed" to?: >> Ability to install apps on SD card? >> Exchange support? >> Proper email app? >> Smoother OS? >> What about multi-touch? >> Better Battery Life? >> >> None of the above? Tip #4: Be precise about what you are asking; try to avoid laundry lists or otherwise making it difficult for people to give you a worthwhile answer Tip #5: Post to the correct list, or make the message apropos for the list you're on Tip #6: Give the people who would be in position to provide the answers a carrot to entice them to actually provide said answers Alternative phrasing: "The publicly-visible roadmap and the descriptions of 'Cupcake' feel vague. Is there anything we can do to try to tighten this up, and in particular identify *specific* spots where community assistance is needed or desired?" >> so far, I think many really don't find it as amazing or advanced as >> everyone tries to pretend it is. Tip #7: Don't denigrate the readers of the message (e.g., people subscribed to [android-developers] would seem to qualify as a subset of "everyone"). Alternative phrasing: Just drop this sentence. ------------------------------- Now, don't get me wrong. I write bi-polar emails too from time to time. I expect to get my posterior handed to me on a platter when I do. So, for example, sometimes I will write that the core Android team should do such-and-so. I try, though, to use that language in places where I'd be willing and able to help in that effort, should the core Android team express an interest and give me a way to assist. I'm sure somebody can go back through the archives and find a fistful of posts that demonstrate that I'm being hypocritical on this topic, and I accept that. We're all flawed, and I'm flawed more than most, I suspect. -- Mark Murphy (a Commons Guy) http://commonsware.com Android Training in Sweden -- http://www.sotrium.com/training.php --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Android Discuss" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-discuss?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
