Ubuntu applications database

[Dougie Richardson]

Hi Allan,

> OK, so saying 'this is the best program ever' probably isn't such a
> good
> idea. What about phrasing it in a more first person way - 'I really
> like
> this application because...'? Not only would this reinforce the
> subjectivity of the entries, but it stresses the community nature of
> the
> wiki and Ubuntu in a really positive way. The great thing about this
> stuff is that it isn't hard, objective stuff, handed down from some
> monolithic company. In this light, subjectivity could be seen as a
> really positive thing.

Is "I really like" necessary, stating the function that you liked should be
enough for anyone looking for that functionality. I can see why the personal
touch is appealing but it also lends the question why should a new user
listen to that opinion? If it were a system with multiple reviews (kind of
like how Amazon does it) then that would be much more achievable.

[snip]

> Very good question. The problem would be getting people to use such
> fields consistently. Definitely worth thinking about, though.

If there are templates then people should be using them. An addition to the
current template explaining why should be sufficient. This is especially
true if you link to the template from your directory (if you see what I
mean).

Sadly this is IMHO the biggest problem with wikis from a usability point of
view - consistency and structure. For anyone using it as a continuation of
the system help minor inconsistencies are a major irritation.

Cheers,

Dougie