On Wed Sep 17, 2003 at 02:42:25PM -0700, Jack Coates wrote:

> >I think all things considered, we aren't that slow.  If you're defining 
> >slow
> >by a few hours, shame on you, if you're defining it by a few days, shame on
> >me.
> >
> >I think we're fairly close to the other big players when it comes to the 
> >big
> >updates.
> >
> >And, also, keep in mind that RH and SuSE both employ about a half dozen
> >security folks and, IIRC, gentoo doesn't have to worry about compiling for 
> >a
> >number of different versions.  Contrary to popular opinion, it *does* take
> >time to properly compile and test packages on each supported platform.
> >
> >We also don't run our own server for updates so we have to wait for
> >mirroring... RH can put the packages up and announce it that minute, we 
> >have
> >to wait at least 1-2hrs before announcing or I get flooded with "you
> >announced it so where is it?" messages, just due to the mirroring process.
> >
> >With all that in mind, I think this one-man operation is pretty damn 
> >speedy.
> 
> absolutely, but... let's step into the managerial mind for a little while:

Oh no... not *that* mind... =)

> fact: Vincent is working really hard, doing a job that takes six people 
> at other companies. He's typically a few hours behind those other 
> companies, but the users don't complain much. Vincent says he needs help 
> when we get some money.

Well, let's put this properly.  Vincent doesn't *need* help.  Vincent would
like help.  Vincent's wife would like help.  But Vincent is a trooper and
can do the job he is paid to do, no question.

> path 1: Ignore the situation until Vincent flames out, then hire some 
> starry-eyed outsider who thinks he can fix everything.

/me shudders

> path 2: When the money starts coming in again, hire some college kids to 
> help out. Rinse and repeat until a couple of them stick on.

/me shudders again

> User complaints help steer things to path 2.

Let's try path #3.  Get someone competent so Vincent doesn't have to
re-train multiple people (thus wasting enormous amounts of time).

-- 
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