[Firebird-docs] Ventura docs, logo's, etc.

[Paul V. <pa...@vi...>]

Hi all,

Some more thoughts about the PDFs that Darcy can produce with Ventura:

- Ideally, we should have all our sources, configuration files, etc.,
  in CVS and work with free and/or open source tools. But of course we
  shouldn't be dogmatic about this. If Darcy can produce great-looking
  PDFs with Ventura we would be daft to use our own, which at the
  moment look poor *and* are broken.

  Still, the long-term goal IMO must remain that anybody who checks
  out the manual module can build all the targets (including PDF)
  without having to buy proprietary software. But I don't see this
  happen very soon.

  In the meantime, if Darcy uses any intermediate files, import
  definition files, style maps or so (I have no idea how this works!),
  it would be good to add these to the module. This way other Ventura
  users could build the docs too. And what's more: everybody could
  look at them, discuss them, suggest and test enhancements etc...
  which is one of the most powerful assets of open source development.
  Also, if Darcy ever leaves us, or has little time, we'll still be
  able to build on his contributions.

- About style and logos: if this thing works out, the "Darcy docs"
  will be an important part of the Firebird face as others see it.
  Use of another logo, especially if it features prominently on the
  cover page of the docs, should therefore be widely discussed within
  the community (project members, project admins, webmaster, FFmembers
  list...). This is not something that should be decided by a handful
  of people in firebird-docs.

  Maybe it's better to concentrate on the technical aspects for now
  (see other post) and keep the current logo on the cover. We can
  always talk about new logos later. And of course anybody can develop
  new logos if he wants to, not just Darcy. But to make it the new
  official Firebird logo is another thing.

- <shameless plug>
    Talking about the FFmembers list: this is the discussion list of
    the Firebird Foundation. The Foundation supports the Firebird
    Project in a number of ways, both financially (grants to active
    developers) and non-financially (making noise in public places).
    You can become an Associate Member for as little as $50/yr; a full
    membership costs $300/yr. All members can take part in the
    discussions on the FFmembers list, but only full members have
    voting rights.
    Look at http://www.firebirdsql.org/ff/foundation/ if you want to
    know more.
  </shameless plug>


Greetings,
Paul Vinkenoog