[mythtv-users] Mailing list and a Wiki... and a dessert topping

[Kevin Kuphal]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org 
> [mailto:mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org] On Behalf Of Isaac Richards
> Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 12:09 AM
> To: Discussion about mythtv
> Subject: Re: [mythtv-users] Mailing list and a Wiki... and a 
> dessert topping
> 
> 
> On Monday 17 May 2004 11:57 pm, BP wrote:
> > Kevin Kuphal wrote:
> > >http://www.mythtv.org/docs/mythtv-HOWTO-1.html#ss1.3
> > >
> > >I was referencing what David had posted which was 
> apparently in error, but
> > >SGML, or docbook, or whatever the CVS style the point 
> remains the same.  I
> > >think most non-developing users would admit to being more 
> comfortable with
> > >the wiki-style of contribution and no one is suggesting 
> replacing the
> > >official installation and usage documentation.  I wish you 
> could see that
> > >your tone and tenor seems to be more abrasive than helpful 
> for people
> > > trying to contribute to this project.
> > >
> > >Kevin
> >
> > I don't get the impression he's telling you that you can not have a
> > wiki.  He's strongly suggesting that you should not create 
> a redundant
> > documentation location.  If you want to contribute, 
> contribute back to
> > the project, not in competition to it.  That is the most 
> benefit to the
> > community.
> 
> Exactly my point.  Thank you.  Telling people to look in 
> multiple locations 
> for information is _not_ contributing to the project in any way.

There is more to documentation than just the installation and usage document
on the official website.  While you may find it convenient to pass people
off to the mailing list and say "search it" as a way to answer user
questions, a number of people here have spoken up that this is more often
than not an efficient way to get questions answered since the material may
be outdated due to software changes or may be hard to find since they may
not know exactly what to search for.

A wiki addresses these shortcomings of a mailing list archive as a reliable
source of what is, in essence, user contributed documentation and howtos.  I
liken it to the difference between the supplied installation and getting
started printed manual that comes with an electronic component you purchase
from the store versus the support website with a knowledge base and FAQ.
The documentation in CVS and on the mythtv.org site is the printed manual to
get you going with the majority of configurations.  The wiki at mythtv.info
can be the support site, providing a cohesive place to find support for the
product beyond the basics.  

Rather than combatting the effort to construct a cohesive support site (that
improves the user access to information by collecting all these how-to type
tidbits of information and links to the gossamer archive, list archives, and
other guides) at mythtv.info, why not support the effort of your user
community to support your project and at least link the site since you are
obviously far from seeing the value in hosting it directly from the
mythtv.org site.

Kevin