Re: [RT] IRC vs. Skype

[Gregor J. Rothfuss]

Ross Gardler wrote:

I completely agree that no design discussion should be carried out on 
anthing other than EMail.

I agree that we should frown upon the use of any communication that is 
not carried out via email, but do not agree that it is possible to 
always follow that rule.

When we meet at ApacheCon will we have to sit in silence and communicate 
via IRC because some community memebers will not be present? (obvioulsy 
you are not suggesting this, I'm merely trying to illustrate that 
sometimes rules have to be broken)

I will not vote against the creation of an IRC channel (as long as the 
bot is in place), but I do not want anyone to think that a lack of a 
vote against implies that I think it is a good idea, it only means that 
it *may* be useful one day, just as Skype is useful sometimes too.

some experience from lenya: the irc channel is more a watering hole 
where people lurk and banter than have design decisions.

it has helped community members to know each other better. i do not 
think it poses a danger of fragmentation.

i actually would be happier if the cocoon and lenya channels would merge 
(the traffic is not very high ,and the cross-pollination would be good). 
same for forrest

as for skype, i have used it in one on one situations to get a fellow 
dev set up with eclipse, for instance. i do not think it is useful for 
groups.