[wyoDesktop-users] DirectFB window manager API

[Otto W. <ott...@or...>]

You belong to the group of people who answered in a sensible way to my
rather diffuse request for information about window managers in relation
to wyoDesktop. And you are probably the group of people who were most
affected by the outcome of the wyoDesktop project. I may completely
overestimate the outcome of wyoDesktop but I've feeling it will have a
rather large impact when it's finished.

First I want to make clear my intention. I have a dream where a free
desktop system will be available for use by _anyone_. And I see a true
chance that I'm able to make this dream become a reality. Actually I
can't guarantee that my way will be better or easier, I can only
guarantee that I'll try everything possible to reach this goal. I asure
you I go through all the obstacles on the way to success even if it
takes its time.

In wyoDesktop I have chosen to use DirectFB through the GDK layer as it
main output engine which has two important aspects:
- If wyoDesktop becomes true it will make your window manager project
somewhat less important
- It is the first obstacle on the way which has to be solved

I'm determined to solve this obstacle even I've I don't like making any
OpenSource project less important, I fear there is no other alternative.
Of course you might have a completely different opinion so just keep on
going your way and have fun with your project. On the other side if you
come to similar conclusions you can react in one of the following way:
- do nothing until your project really becomes affected, hoping it will
never happen. I admit there is still good chance this may be the case.
- subscribe to the user mailing list to be informed how wyoDesktop
proceeds and decide later how to react.
- subscribe to the devel mailing list to be informed how the DirectFB
window manager API proceeds and make suggestions from time to time.
- actively participate in the development of a sound API for a DirectFB
window manager, creating something nobody has done so far.

Of course I prefer if you all choose to participate but I won't be angry
if you chose any other way for whatever reasons. But please don't be
angry yourself if wyoDesktop develops in a way you don't like. I just
want to remind you that wyoDesktop is also a fantastic opportunity do
create something really terrific. Also keep in mind you are much better
suited for this task since you probably know much more about window
managers than I.

Once again as I said earlier I'll do this job since it simply has to be
done but I'd prefer if you do it simply because it probably will lead to
a better system. Please understand me right I'll do exacly as much as
needed, ranging from doing everything to just providing the
infrastructure. So you're absolutely free what and how much you are able
to participate as long as it fulfills its purpose. The more you do the
more you can influence and the more I can use my time for other equally
pressing tasks. The end effect will be that wyoDesktop will be better
and finished earlier.

To give you a rough estimate of the work load for stage 1. I guess it's
about 2 years, one year for the WM, another for the wxWidgets port and
the rest fitting somewhere in between.

Please respond to this message to the users mailing list so anyone can
read what you think. Any feedback (positive and negative) is welcomed.
Also forward this message to others you think might be interested in
this kind of work.

O. Wyss

-- 
See a huge pile of work at "http://wyodesktop.sourceforge.net/"