One of the things that I have found useful in the past are mailing lists which focus on providing a brief description of a new software item, why one would use it, and then the link to use for downloading.

I have reading the sourceforge list for this type of thing, and I have also subscribed in the past to a couple of these types of lists for other platforms.

Are there Linux software announcement lists designed to expose a new Linux user to the wonderful software alternatives available to them?

I have seen some lists by some groups where the descriptions are vague or highly technical, covering lists of bug fixes, etc. but seldom actually describing the software itself.

The kind of thing I am imagining would be intended for someone new to Linux, providing them enough description to raise their interest into exploring new applications.

I follow those 3 rss feeds that match what you're asking:
http://www.howtoforge.com/feed.rss
http://www.linux.com/feature/?theme=rss
http://www.commandlinefu.com/feed/tenup

and also this podcast on Linux:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/UbuntuUk...igh?format=xml

I appreciate the tips - I will monitor those for a while to see the level of detail.

Trying to find something written to a level that a dad or mom or a student is able to read and comprehend has been challenging. Finding things that a tech savvy or at least someone past being technophobic is an easier task