[ode] Re: cart before the horse


Paul M. Foster (paulf@quillandmouse.com)
Thu, 13 Jan 2000 00:59:02 -0500 (EST)


On Wed, 12 Jan 2000, Deb Richardson wrote:

> I think perhaps there are a couple of things that need to be done here
> before anyone starts drafting and discussing proposals and solutions.
>
> First, and most importantly, at least one representative from each major
> Open Source project must be brought in to take part in these
> discussions. As yet, there are still people from a large number of
> projects who don't know about this discussion list. You cannot hope to
> start defining general and sweeping solutions to "the Open Source
> documentation problem" without having input from all major groups.
>

Granted.

> Before this can be done, of course, there has to be a comprehensive list
> of which projects should be involved. That list is key. All of these
> projects have to be informed about this discussion list, and what this
> discussion list is for. A very detailed definition of purpose is
> needed, and must be sent out to all of the projects that should be
> taking part.
>

This definition of purpose should come before we get the other projects
involved.

> Second, after there are people from all major projects involved, the
> problems this group trying to solve have to be very clearly defined and,
> more importantly, agreed upon. What are the major problems with Open
> Source documentation? What exactly is this hypothetical "virtual group"
> trying to do? What's the purpose? What's the scope? What exactly are
> the problems being addresed?
>

Again, it is wisest to define the purpose/goal of the group before
anything else happens. That statement could be broad at first, as in:

1) Define the problems with Open Source documentation.
2) Solve those problems.

Sounds like digging the Panama Canal, doesn't it? But it could be done,
exactly as stated above.

To resolve (1) above, you'll have to involve the other groups, exactly
as you say.

> Before there is input from all groups and the problems are defined (and
> agreed upon), there is absolutely no chance that effective solutions are
> going to be developed.
>
> I strongly recommend that you stop putting the cart before the horse.
> No one even knows where this group plans on journeying, never mind what
> means should be using to get there.
>

Actually, we probably should have had the discussion with the other groups
about what they view as problems, and _then_ turn on this list. As it is,
I have to agree with you; the discussion here, while interesting, has been
all over the place and may not amount to much without input from the other
folks.

Maybe we should all just shut up now. ;-}

Paul M. Foster



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