Adam Krikstone wrote:
IRC and lists are great tools at sending and distributing information
fast. However, as more users, especially ones with little to no
experience with linux, begin purchasing neo's these lists will be
inundated with drivel. There is only ~1000 people on this list and
look at simple problems with a glitch with gmail. I get 90+ messages
about "is gmail broken," "gmail isn't working," "I think it is gmail,"
etc. Do you really want to check your inbox and get 5000-10000+
messages about simple mundane things as the neo's are released to the
mass market? I suggested a forum to act as a buffer between the
public and IRC/lists. The IRC/lists can be for developers/advanced
users and consumers can stay in the forums.
From the consumers standpoint, I think that a forum is mandatory. If
the plan is really to mass market this then IRC and/or mailinglists are
*NOT* no matter how useful/easy/better *YOU* think they are going to
work. If someone can't get to information easily with their web browser,
and do something that they are familiar with (ie. forums are a VERY
common tool), then they will NOT be able to get the help that they need
and will be disappointed.
Mass marketing a device *IS* different from developing a device, not
matter how hard you try to convince yourself otherwise. You might have
to succumb to using (or at least allowing) what YOU feel is an inferior
tool if it will make things easier for the other less technical
users/consumers out there. Besides, do you really want to have to
answer the same questions over and over on the mailing list?
Bottom line, keep an open mind. Realize that just because something
works for you doesn't mean that it will work for everyone. And trust me
when I say that IRC and mailinglists will not work for everyone.
-Jonathon
PS, I wasn't targeting my rant at you Adam.
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