Suggestions for Ubuntu Governance: Reboot?

Elizabeth K. Joseph lyz at ubuntu.com
Sun Nov 16 15:32:00 UTC 2014


On Sat, Nov 15, 2014 at 9:57 PM, ZP <zukeprime at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Sun, 16 Nov 2014 10:54:14 +0530
> Aveem Ashfaq <aveemashfaq at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>I will be making a Launchpad project about this shortly, but until
>>then, this is what I propose.
>
> I registered on this mailing list after seeing it posted on G+.  I have
> to tell you, I like your idea of reinvigorating interest in
> participation by outlining how the process works.
>
> As an Ubuntu (and linux in general) user for about 2 years, I'm
> completely at a loss on how everything is set up.  A person like me
> would be willing to help the Ubuntu Docs team, but even that involves a
> plethora of involved processes that doesn't really make sense to the
> novice.
>
> As an example, I also contributed a little to the Distributed
> Proofreaders website (link: http://www.pgdp.net/c/default.php ), where
> they methodically scan and proofread printed books into electronic
> (mostly epub) form. The process is clearly outlined and fairly
> foolproof...each person is allowed to proofread and edit any book using
> online tools. After submission, the user is "scored" by more
> experienced users who double-check the work, then it moves up.  A
> couple iterations, and the book is done.
>
> I'm digressing a little, but my point is to agree with Aveem that the
> point of entry (even for something as simple as documentation) *seems*
> daunting and formidable unlike DP, where the process is
> straight-forward and easy to master. I personally think some effort
> should be spent towards engaging brand new users as much as
> possible...encourage them to help out...plant the seeds.

Sticking with the Documentation team example because it's a great one
(a lot of teams are similar), it has getting started instructions, but
the team mostly only has time for keeping those accurate and making
them *easy* often slips through the cracks because we lack volunteers
(no one is paid to work on Ubuntu Documentation). Additionally,
they're written by people who know what they're doing, so it's not
obvious to us what is unclear to newcomers.

So I think any initiative to help newcomers find their place should
include "if you find getting involved documents lacking/daunting, you
can start off by giving us feedback to help improve them" - it would
be great to have more folks jumping in by telling us what's daunting
and formidable so we can work together to fix it.

(Also, would you like to help? :) You can join the ubuntu-doc mailing
list and start giving feedback:
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-doc )

-- 
Elizabeth Krumbach Joseph || Lyz || pleia2
http://www.princessleia.com



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