Date: Fri, 01 Sep 1995 22:16:55 +0200 From: "Julian Stacey <jhs@freebsd.org>" <jhs@vector.eikon.e-technik.tu-muenchen.de> To: "Jordan K. Hubbard" <jkh@time.cdrom.com> Cc: "Jordan K. Hubbard" <jkh@freefall.FreeBSD.org>, CVS-commiters@freefall.FreeBSD.org, cvs-usrbin@freefall.FreeBSD.org Subject: Re: cvs commit: src/usr.bin/ee - Imported sources Message-ID: <199509012016.WAA02109@vector.eikon.e-technik.tu-muenchen.de> In-Reply-To: Your message of "Thu, 31 Aug 1995 17:53:18 PDT." <12720.809916798@time.cdrom.com>
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Hi Jordan, cc list
You wrote:
> Show me an editor that's implemented as one 110K source file and I'll
> be impressed.. :-)
What relevance source ? surely binary size is the thing ?
> > We are a BSD OS, not a DOS Weenie OS, if the user doesnt understand VI,
> > that's his problem not ours, clueless DOSers are of debatable benefit,
> > `Least suprise' requires we offer a vi like interface.
>
> Needless to say, this is complete and utter elitist rubbish and I'm
> certainly very glad that you're not in charge of writing our user
> interfaces or documentation! :-)
FreeBSD is a BSD Unix rewrite/clone, with BSD norms,
departures from BSD norms are best debated before commiting.
Vi is the standard Unix screen editor, (with Emacs as 2nd I guess).
`Least Suprise' requires if vi is too big you first try a standard
BSD interface clone editor, such as elvis or stevie, (or maybe micro emacs ?).
My offer to port elvis or stevie to replace EE stands.
Abandon `least suprise' when it suits you, & expect others to abandon
it when it suits them, & watch our BSD ethos erode.
------
Hopefully, FreeBSD should make a strategic decision:
Either emphasise the recruiting & supporting of :
A) Computer professionals new to BSD Unix, but who are intelligent
& can read English docs, & are happy to learn BSD standard tools.
B) Unskilled amateur users who don't know vi, prefer not to read
original English intro. docs etc.
Type (A) ( The `Elitist' Target ;-)
- are likely to contribute more to our code base,
- are less likely to pose so many basic questions,
- may commission commercial packages ports.
- may import FreeBSD to their firms,
- may purchase commercial support that we hope to offer
- may create employee job opportunities,
- may contract independent freelancers like me
Type (B) ( The `Great Unwashed' Target ;-)
- will not purchase any commercial support we evolve
- will burden our mail lists with basic questions taught in college
or night classes & by tutorial.
- will get us noticed more
- will not - per head, & per support effort - contribute as much as (A)
- suits your missionary zeal & helpful nature :-)
- will create higher volume CD sales for your paymaster Walnut,
(than type A people in firms with good net distribution)
The question for FreeBSD to collectively decide is:
Which segment should be actively recruited ? ... and at what support price ?
Julian S
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