Hi!
From my perspective, emotionally mostly, I like the idea.
The fact is that over the years, I gave up this idea, due to the frequent changes in the world of the Linux development landscape.
The real problem with such a section is that some 99% of the Linux Apps, are developed "pro-bono", and financially supported (if...) through some kind of donation mechanism.
Usually, for Apps development, this is difficult. Most developers use their spare time so a full cycle, might take more than one year. This leads to OS version related incompatibilities. I've already seen it in my list of apps and on this Forum also, even a few days ago.
Many upgrade procedures fail due to missing the appropriate version of a PPA software.
This is simply an annoyance easy to remove, by disabling the PPA line in the "Other Software" tab, "Software & Updates" utility.
So, it will generate a lot of posts and inquiries regarding this or that piece of software, leading to a bloated forum Secțion.
Still, maybe the active members, might consider working on a PDF document, with general recommendations and the standard solutions for the most frequent trouble encountered during system operation and the related software pieces, mostly the User preferences.
I guess that if anyone will issue at least a draft version of such kind of manual, people around here will come with suggestions and might be gradually improved.
But, again, this is my thinking and finding volunteers for this kind of job, is rather difficult than "piece of cake".
The problem mostly resides in the skills required to fulfill such a task: computer editing (LibreOffice), image editing (GIMP), vector graphics (Inkscape) and obviously, file management over internet (Upload, download, check links, cloud storage management, fixing broken links).
This can be hardly conceived as a "one man show" if this goes exclusively "pro bono". Changes are too many and way too frequent!
Years ago, I did this kind of job an it usually takes some 6 and more hours a day. Which is practically speaking, a full-time job.
Obviously, we are discussing here ideas that might improve the overall life in this community: this means that I am opened to any new ideas.
I have some doubts regarding a forum Section due to the fact that I have my own Forum and I am facing the same dilema: Add s Section? Wait? If I add it, will it go sideways? If that happens, what then?
From the admin's perspective, it's difficult to ponder the value of an idea in what's regarding the extra-work for the Admin and (if any...) the Moderators.
Remember, all Moderators are doing pro-bono work here, just because they love the community and the distro itself.
Dedication, passion is the engine that drives their work. Still... they need to eat, sleep, do some trivial housework (shopping, personal finances management and so on) and all those, on top of a work (day to day job) that sucks lots of the daily resources.
Did I mention the family? What if the life partner has nothing to do with computers?
There are many variables in this equation so it is by far a difficult decision to ponder, and even more difficult to make it happen.
And there is another fact:
Hosting costs. And the expenses, increase by a traffic based factor. This (linuxliteos.com) is nothing like a new Forum so, the traffic, might blow through the roof just for say, 2 minutes. If this happens once or twice a month, it is OK. Even more than twice, might still be OK.
But if this begins to be a kind of weekly habit, this is a "Red flag" sign. You need more storage, a better CPU/RAM ratio, a better mysql server ratio and all those are more and more expensive.
If you are unfamiliar with those site-management daily tasks, than it is unlikely you will, and can understand the reluctance of the Forum Management Team in extending the Forum.
It's far easier said, than done...
That means nothing else than that I understand both perspectives, but having the both ways practice (I've been blogging and creating content for over 17 years already), I am forced to see things through both perspectives to get "the bigger picture".
With those being said, I hope we can find some solution to this general interest problem.
The idea of adding entries to the Lite Manual, is also less practical and more trouble generating, due to the same reason: lack of man-power. What could be accomplished, is already there. Going further, means more man-power. How do we get to this?
Do you think I even dare to think asking Jerry, or some of the Moderators how much they spent on Forum related things?
I see how much it takes me and this is enough.
As long as I am OK, I drop a visit here, write something. If it wears me off, I just reduce my visits to the minimum amount required for recovery. It is as simple as that!
And if anyone thinks is different than I am, I'm still here, we can discuss the "How to"s.
Best regards, Șerban.
"It's easy to die for an idea. It's way harder TO LIVE for your idea!"
Current Machine:
Dell Precision T1700, 16 GB RAM, SSD Kingston A400, 480 GB.
Laptop:
ASUS X200MA , Intel® Celeron® N2830, 2 GB RAM, SSD Kingston A400, 480 GB.
