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Use of the "What programs/games would you like to see ported" threads
We have two sticky threads (here and here) asking users which software and games they'd like to see ported to Linux. These threads are quite long now and as such, it seems difficult to keep track of the posts in them. I'm just wondering if these threads really serve a useful purpose. They just seem to be long lists. In both of them, Jeremy states that if there's enough interest in certain software/games, he'll contact the vendors. Does this happen?
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I to have often wondered this my self. It would be nice to know if this really does help.
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Nylex,
When we started the threads in 2003, the application landscape for Linux looked quite a bit different than it does now. It's possible the threads have outlived their usefulness. That being said, they still seem to garner a lot of participation...so it's possible they haven't. I'm interested in hearing what other members think. Also, if someone is willing to go through the threads (of even say the last 2-3 years worth of posts) and tally up the requests, I would be willing to contact vendors on LQ's behalf and see if we can make some kind of difference. --jeremy |
Thanks, Jeremy. I can understand that software for Linux has changed dramatically since 2003. While the threads do get a lot of participation, I think they're only really useful if some action is going to be taken on the responses. I'd offer to go through them and make a tally, but I simply don't have the time. Even just going a few years back would be a big task for anyone, I think. Still, I agree, it would be good to see what other members think about this.
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Quote:
Note: If LQ Search, in its present form, is part of the process, then a cut-off date of anything but a year will be difficult. Quote:
* - I really wish LQ/vBulletin allowed |
Does anyone else have opinions on this?
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If anything, can't you create a new thread, put a sticky on it for all threads, and have an anonymous voting system for even visitors to vote? That way, we can pick the most popular applications and games being talked about and create a rough list, and go off of the comments to add more applications and programs. Just a thought.
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Opinions on the usefulness of the threads? Or how to proceed with the input of the threads?
I have the feeling that there a few die-hard requests in the application thread. Like Photoshop, Quickbooks and Dreamweaver. While some of them are simply a different application to process the same standard (bitmaps, html), others (Quickbooks) are needed to process proprietary data which cannot be done anyway else. There is a difference between the two groups. I can edit bitmaps or Word documents once I learned to start Gimp instead of Photoshop, and I have little mercy with people who don't want to put in the effort to get used to a different application. With Quickbooks and alike, not having the application seriously affects co-operation with colleagues. For these kind of applications Jeremy's proposal is fine, and maybe, finally it would help a bit. In LQ however we would need some kind of entry and presentation system so it become more easily visible what application fall in either category, how much need there is, how much support on each etc without having to read thru the 2354 posts. As I see it, the thread current useful purpose is mainly to answer which are alternatives in Linux for certain applications. Not only for users too lazy too Google, but also to indicate which Linux equivalents are widely used and really useful. As Jeremy points out, the application landscape did change the past years, no one can complain about choice in applications available in Linux to perform any task. Except for those few applications which seriously hinder co-operation in organizations the issue on drivers and special application programs also remains. One buys a piece of hardware, ranging from a PDA thru a scanner ot spectrum analyzer, and the included CD invariably runs on "Windows XP, Vista or 7 with 512 MB of RAM". The Linux community has put an insane amount into reverse engineering, rewriting and re-inventing the obvious because of lack of support and lack of information. Effort which could have been used for better. goals. That sucks. jlinkels |
Sorry to resurrect this old thread :tisk:, but IMO it is still relevant :D.
Rather than trying to go through the now 4805 & 1372 posts and attempt trying to structure them, I'd suggest a different route: Use a Wiki page with a voting addon (something like the Polling Extension on MediaWiki). As sample this page can be used as a starting point. It's reasonably well structured, but not fully comprehensive (e.g. no CAD). There'd need to be some changes though:
The point is: in the past year there was already 400 extra posts to the software thread. Most are probably duplicates of older posts. That does not take account of how many users read through some of the posts and found an answer already - e.g. the software thread has in excess of 600,000 reads (not a good estimate, but does show there's a large set of users interested in this). So relevancy is still there, and thus a new start with a more structured approach may populate quite quickly in any case, even if all the old posts are not used directly. If you do go about something like this, then those 2 threads need to be closed with an ending post linking to the relevant Wiki page - so users searching would redirect them to the correct new spot. |
Sounds like a good idea to me, irneb!
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I think so! If someone could allow such extension to the wiki, it would not be too difficult to get some proper page setup. I'd even be willing to help (if no more than a few hours a week).
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I guess you'll have to wait for Jeremy to post here.
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