Comments on: FOSS4G … and we’re done http://www.archaeogeek.com/blog/2007/09/27/foss4g-and-were-done/ Archaeology in a Digital World Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:26:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: admin http://www.archaeogeek.com/blog/2007/09/27/foss4g-and-were-done/comment-page-1/#comment-5368 admin Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:09:27 +0000 http://www.archaeogeek.com/blog/2007/09/27/foss4g-and-were-done/#comment-5368 @Matthew, I agree entirely! However, the flip side (which is all I was trying to put across) is that n00bs are also doing this for the love of it often, even the lazy ones, and sometimes developers can expect a bit too much prior knowledge for using their programme. Lets be honest here too- some developers have expressed their frustration with all n00bs, and in fact with all users (as opposed to hard core coders I assume) and that's not a good attitude either. So I guess all I'm trying to do is ask both "sides" to be a little more reasonable if possible. @Simon I'm more concerned with the lack of an Open Source agenda than Geo-archaeology (though that's obviously cool)- and was merely trying to point out the relative lack of profile that FOSS has within the UK, as evinced by the AGI conference. I've actually wanted to attend the AGI conference for the last two years but unfortunately it clashes with FOSS4G! If I get the chance though, I'd love to come along and I'll certainly check out the SIG stuff. Thanks for stopping by! @Matthew,
I agree entirely! However, the flip side (which is all I was trying to put across) is that n00bs are also doing this for the love of it often, even the lazy ones, and sometimes developers can expect a bit too much prior knowledge for using their programme. Lets be honest here too- some developers have expressed their frustration with all n00bs, and in fact with all users (as opposed to hard core coders I assume) and that’s not a good attitude either. So I guess all I’m trying to do is ask both “sides” to be a little more reasonable if possible.

@Simon
I’m more concerned with the lack of an Open Source agenda than Geo-archaeology (though that’s obviously cool)- and was merely trying to point out the relative lack of profile that FOSS has within the UK, as evinced by the AGI conference. I’ve actually wanted to attend the AGI conference for the last two years but unfortunately it clashes with FOSS4G! If I get the chance though, I’d love to come along and I’ll certainly check out the SIG stuff. Thanks for stopping by!

]]> By: Sim http://www.archaeogeek.com/blog/2007/09/27/foss4g-and-were-done/comment-page-1/#comment-5316 Sim Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:53:10 +0000 http://www.archaeogeek.com/blog/2007/09/27/foss4g-and-were-done/#comment-5316 Hi there. The AGI is the UK's 'broad church' 'geo' membership organisation. If you want to promote the geo-archaeology agenda then maybe you could submit a paper next year? It would be welcome (as a lapsed archaeologist I'd certainly welcome it ;)). The AGI Technical SIG has hosted a few 'open' (as in software) meetings recently and they were well attended. Check out http://www.agi.org.uk Hi there. The AGI is the UK’s ‘broad church’ ‘geo’ membership organisation. If you want to promote the geo-archaeology agenda then maybe you could submit a paper next year? It would be welcome (as a lapsed archaeologist I’d certainly welcome it ;) ).

The AGI Technical SIG has hosted a few ‘open’ (as in software) meetings recently and they were well attended.

Check out http://www.agi.org.uk

]]> By: Matthew Perry http://www.archaeogeek.com/blog/2007/09/27/foss4g-and-were-done/comment-page-1/#comment-5264 Matthew Perry Fri, 28 Sep 2007 06:36:29 +0000 http://www.archaeogeek.com/blog/2007/09/27/foss4g-and-were-done/#comment-5264 Nice recap of FOSS4G. Regarding your claim that "developers ... are sick of answering questions" because they are "doing this for the love of it, not the money, in their spare time". I have a few comments on that point: 1) Those new users seeking a quick and easy solution without doing their homework are just kidding themselves. "I just downloaded X yesterday and I can't figure out how to do Y. How do I fix it?" questions are inherently flawed. To accomplish anything in technology requires a strong knowledge base that takes years to acquire. Even a complete newbie (yes I was there once) should perform a minimum amount of research and formulate their question properly before expecting anyone to assist them. 2) If developers get sick of answering your questions (which, given the patience of most open source developers, is a difficult feat to accomplish), the user community behind the software steps up. That is a role that the "power user" (ie a guy/gal who knows their stuff but doesn't necessarily contribute code) should, and usually does, fulfill. 3) Money is a much greater incentive than you make it out to be. Many (most?) developers of open source software have been compensated monetarily for their efforts. Furthermore, for users that feel the learning curve is too steep, there are plenty of opportunities for commercial support (http://www.osgeo.org/search_profile). Just because the software is "open" should not imply that naive users can get unlimited tech support without either a) doing their homework or b) paying a competent professional The best advice to new users looking for help: Do your homework, ask smart questions, and then contribute your knowledge back. Before long, *you'll* be the one helping new users get started. Nice recap of FOSS4G.

Regarding your claim that “developers … are sick of answering questions” because they are “doing this for the love of it, not the money, in their spare time”.

I have a few comments on that point:

1) Those new users seeking a quick and easy solution without doing their homework are just kidding themselves. “I just downloaded X yesterday and I can’t figure out how to do Y. How do I fix it?” questions are inherently flawed. To accomplish anything in technology requires a strong knowledge base that takes years to acquire. Even a complete newbie (yes I was there once) should perform a minimum amount of research and formulate their question properly before expecting anyone to assist them.

2) If developers get sick of answering your questions (which, given the patience of most open source developers, is a difficult feat to accomplish), the user community behind the software steps up. That is a role that the “power user” (ie a guy/gal who knows their stuff but doesn’t necessarily contribute code) should, and usually does, fulfill.

3) Money is a much greater incentive than you make it out to be. Many (most?) developers of open source software have been compensated monetarily for their efforts. Furthermore, for users that feel the learning curve is too steep, there are plenty of opportunities for commercial support (http://www.osgeo.org/search_profile). Just because the software is “open” should not imply that naive users can get unlimited tech support without either a) doing their homework or b) paying a competent professional

The best advice to new users looking for help:
Do your homework, ask smart questions, and then contribute your knowledge back. Before long, *you’ll* be the one helping new users get started.

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