Louis Suarez-Potts wrote:
Hi
On 2007-10-23, at 17:12 , 8daysaweek.co.uk wrote:
on 23/10/2007 21:41 Kay Schenk wrote:
I agree with Kay (I think ;-) ). The addition of
portal.openoffice.org seems to further complicate a website that is
already too complicated with subdomains IMHO.
How am I not being clear?
:-)
I agree with you and with Kay. I don't like privileging Portal,
either. But: as long as we must use Collabnet for www.openoffice.org,
I am loath to sending users offsite for the primary gateway.
That should always be www.openoffice.org
Is this clear? :-)
portal.ooo is *temporary*
I think that is pretty clear. I also think it perhaps mixes in a second
subjects, again.
On the one hand their is the discussion about how to redesign the
website at www.openoffice.org for a more end-user friendly experience.
That is all well and good, and IMO needed. So far much of what I have
read about this plan still leaves me wanting for an end user oriented
set of goals. I see much about marketing to prospective users,
distribution of the software and distributing documentation but very
little about direct support to end users simply trying to perform tasks
with the software or community building amongst these end users. Perhaps
that is just a result of the early stage of the work.
Specifically I am thinking of the Molcan's mockup ( very snazzy looking
by the way ) that has been being worked on. Where there is a huge amount
of space devoted to directing the user to download the software. There
is also a large amount of real estate to a button taking them to reasons
why to download and use it, there are news feeds similar or identical to
those currently displayed at the home page. Most of these are relevant
IMO to folks worried with marketing the software, or working with other
organizations regarding standards and joint development efforts. Finally
there is a way to get support, which if I understand correctly will
allow take them to a listing of documentation and links to mailing lists
and forums.
What I am wondering if is there is not a misdirection here. A site
designed to target end users is by definition a site for those that have
already downloaded the software, or have purchased a CD, or maybe got
their copy with their new Everex PC. With this person in mind then I
would say the emphasis on distribution is not only wasted space to some
extent but a distraction. Yes, they should be able to find the latest
releases fairly easily, but that should not be considered their main
desire in arriving here. In fact with the addition of automatically
checking for updates being added to the software package directly this
is even more so, IMO.
Now, as I say perhaps I am making much about nothing. For if you are
redesigning the front page for OpenOffice.org and that page is targeted
to perspective users then yes the design and the emphasis makes sense.
But if the goal is the design of a point of entry for current users,
well maybe not so much.
The other subject that I believe has come up once of twice and is most
acutely commented on in the last email of this thread is quite simply this:
What is the desired relationship of other groups, associations or
organizations also targeted to end users of OpenOffice.org software and
OpenOffice.org the organization. After reading remarks about the wiki
and how it might wither after the new site plans are fully implemented,
then the remark that only www.openoffice.org can be an entry point for
users one is tempted to ask if there is a place at the table for such
groups.
Surely as the software proliferates, and more derivative works based on
the software arrive all the time, many offering little or no support to
users or directing these users to existing service providers not
directly part of OpenOffice.org it becomes a growing question. The
growth of these other types of groups will surely follow the growth of
the software user base.
In other words how should and can providers of these services be
integrated into the overall plans for the OpenOffice.org web presence?
I realize that this question is not OT for this thread, but it is needs
discussing I believe, and given that certain comments here that prompt
my asking so here is where the first mention of it went.
Drew Jensen
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