Javier Fern�ndez-Sanguino Pe�a <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > On Sat, Dec 07, 2002 at 06:13:36PM +0100, Josip Rodin wrote: > > Besides, that DDP policy is outdated, we've all realized in the meantime how > > DebianDoc SGML is not the holy cow it was supposed to be... > > > > _And_ there is a draft (unpublished) which is trying to fix this policy > issues. Just to remember to those that did not comment about it: > > http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/ddp-policy/ddp-policy.en.html > > Discussion on source file formats is here: > > http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/ddp-policy/ch-manuals.en.html#s3.1
Comments follow. In 3.1 we read: "SGML is used as the source format for all manuals. Currently, SGML format compatible with the debiandoc-sgml tool chain is chosen as the document format. [4]" But you contradict both of those below. Cut to the chase; drop the historical references; drop the justificiation. It should simply state the debiandoc-sgml and docbook-xml are the recommended formats. It should further clarify which version of DocBook, e.g., 4.1.2 or better or whatever (4.2 is latest, quite recent); and which version of Debiandoc (DTD version 1 or better, clearly). I would also suggest a more balanced approach. I've worked with DocBook now for 3+ years, and believe me, debiandoc-sgml has significant things to recommend it: - its tons easier to learn then DocBook (46 elements vs 300+) - since it's simpler, the output is going to be more consistent - we're used to it - it can also be argued that the output is actually better than DocBook output for our purposes (tho this just points to the need for a DocBook-XML stylesheet, I'm sure we could bring them to relative parity if we want to) The i18n bugs in particular don't deserve mention; I think could be fixed easily. I think we should recommend that if people don't *need* the DocBook features, they should stick with debiandoc. Folks should only use DocBook if they need tables, figures, optional framed output and such. In fact, I would go even further and state that we should make this change, and Ardo should close most of the wishlists for new tags and features in debiandoc-sgml. DebianDoc should explicitly be a *simple*, 80% solution. If folks want bells and whistles, use DocBook. This way, both have a place in our galaxy and Ardo doesn't have to feel bad about all the things he doesn't do that DocBook does. -- ...Adam Di Carlo..<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...<URL:http://www.onshored.com/>
