Re: [LAF-devel] Forums or Lists?

[David M. B. <da...@da...>]

ro...@le... wrote:

> I like e-mails for the reasons you have given.  However, between the two 
> I'ld take forums if the forum is well designed do to the organizational 
> quality of forums. Fact that between school, work, and visiting family, I 
> don't have one computer where my e-mails rest.  
> 
> I do like things organized into threads, where I can look at what 
> interests me and not waste my time on things that don't concern me but get 
> sent out to the list anyway.  
> 
> Browsing around today I found this:
> 
> "If you monitor forums, you will be sent new posts in the form of an 
> email, with a link to the new message.
> 
> You can monitor forums by clicking "Monitor Forum" in any given discussion 
> forum."
> 
> Sounds like the best of both worlds to me.  Any comments?

That's ALMOST perfect.  I'll have to see if there's a way to have it 
send the actual contents of what is in the forum.  That would be best.

Here's my latest thought:

As far as discussions on design, features, etc., I think email is 
probably better.  At least we should make sure that the subject matter 
for email lists is very specifically defined.  In other words, laf-devel 
would probably go away, and we'd create lists for things like 
laf-ui-devel, or laf-db-devel, for specific topics.

Then, forums can be more for end-user discussion, support, etc.  In 
other words, we'd keep devel discussions to specific email lists, but 
general discussions in forums.

Or am I making it too complex?

My thinking is that email lists allow development to move ahead more 
quickly since everyone sees things as they come.  Forums, on the other 
hand, are better for keeping inboxes clean, but slow things down a bit 
since I have to go an extra step and check the forum.  Even with the 
link emailed to me I'm this way as I have to click it.  I know, how lazy 
can I get?  Well, it's just one more step where the potential to say, 
"I'll check it later..." is far too great. :)

So, if the development turns out to move ahead quickly, email lists are 
better.  If we take our time (which is fine, let's do what it takes but 
keep people happy), then forums are ok.

One more idea:  Maybe we start with forums for now, and as we deem 
necessary split out email groups like I mentioned (laf-db-devel, etc.)?

I know it seems like I'm making a big deal out of something that 
shouldn't be a big deal.  But, if we don't set up communication to work 
well from the start, we'll have difficulty getting this thing off the 
ground.  Good communication is the key to a good 
marriage^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H project. :)

Thoughts?

David