(Off Topic ) Open Source: The Model Is Broken ??

[Ed Greshko]

M. Fioretti wrote:
> On Sat, Dec 06, 2008 17:14:57 PM +0800, Ed Greshko wrote:
>  
>   
>> When I hear folks lamenting the lack of documentation I often wonder
>> what percentage of them dedicate their time to a documentation
>> project.
>>     
>
> Would it make any difference if they did? Is it fair to ask them
> "write it yourself or shut up"?
>
> In order to dedicate your time to documentation one would need to:
>
> 1) be ABLE to write good documentation. You yourself acknowledged
>    good "documenters" are scarce. You're either good at it or you
>    aren't, it's just like programming or any other complex creative
>    activity. This is the biggest obstacle, or at least the first thing
>    that makes the "write it yourself or shut up" useless (at least). 
>   
Actually, my motives where much more subtle (sinister). 

I tend to feel that some those wanting more/better documentation don't
quite realize how difficult producing quality documentation for the
masses truly is.   So, it is more of "try doing it and maybe you'll gain
some appreciation for the difficulty".
> 2) have enough free time, after you've paid mortgage, food and bills,
>    to start and finish writing a manual. Unless you're _paid_ just to
>    write that documentation, of course. Even if you're good, it takes
>    a lot of time and effort to do a good job.
>
>   
Which is why there may be a niche market for some company involved
"support" to include documentation.  But, that would require a business
plan and a business model....  :-(

Karl, are you listening?  :-) :-) :-)


-- 
mixed emotions: Watching a bus-load of lawyers plunge off a cliff. With
five empty seats. Mei-Mei.Greshko at greshko.com

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