All formats

[Eric Rostetter]

Quoting Karsten Wade <kwade at redhat.com>:

> I agree about not getting sidetracked, but I want to recognize the
> growing value in what are being called 'screencasts.'  These are short,
> usually Flash movies that show someone using a piece of software to
> accomplish tasks.

I don't think FC includes Flash, so that may not be viable (though I'm
not sure).  Maybe a powerpoint presentation, since it can be created/viewed
and what have you in OpenOffice which I'm pretty sure is part of FC
could be of use here?

> It can include a narration.  Something like this can
> be produced using basic desktop tools.  However, I doubt there is a
> fully free toolchain, and if there is, the output format isn't an open
> one.  Still, something to keep our eye on.

I'm not sure the output chain/format needs to be fully open, ala my
"powerpoint" reference to OpenOffice presentations.  In other words,
if FC provided a Flash play, I don't care if the Flash format is open
or closed, only that FC provides a player for it.

I think OpenOffice presentations meet all needs (open format, open
program, in FC, etc) and also provide other advantages (supports
input/export from other things like MS Powerpoint, etc).

> If making useful screencasts was someone's entire preference and they
> wouldn't participate otherwise, I'd say we should embrace them and see
> what can be done.  We can still have open source documentation that
> compiles into a non-free format and possibly still be within the spirit
> of the project

I agree.  The most that might be required would be to make that person
an "editor" for that specific type of documentation, and set up an
area to host it.  No big deal, IMHO.

> - Karsten

-- 
Eric Rostetter