Improving Package descriptions

[Vishnoo]

On Sat, 2010-08-21 at 18:16 +0100, Phil Bull wrote:
> 
> > 
> > It would be nice to organise an event where we can review package
> > descriptions en masse (and perhaps other related strings, like
> > descriptions in .desktop files). That way, people rewriting descriptions
> > could get instant help and feedback from us.
> > 
We could make it a part of the Global Jams or propose this for a Bug Day? 
Jorge Castro might have other ideas as well.

> 
> Regarding [5], I think the issue is more that lots of developers aren't
> aware of the skill levels of their users! It would take a bigger
> programme of "usability awareness" promotion to fix that, I think...
> 
Yes, also when we mention bad practices, I think we should offer a haven
for developers to request package descriptions. Else it would be tough
for them , if we dont offer help when they are looking for it.
Can we offer this Docs mailing list ? Or any other alternate
suggestions ? 

> > If we can get Debian to update the guidelines, this would be a whole lot
> > easier. Once we have a complete guideline, we should probably look into
> > that as well.
> 
> I agree, and I'd like to help out with that. The current Debian
> guidelines aren't bad, but I don't think that they push the
> non-technical aspect enough. Using non-technical language is something
> that docs/UA people can really help with.

...
> > Also to note is that I have posted a Question [6](in Answers! ;p), which
> > would hopefully allow us to make changes in Ubuntu without waiting on
> > Debian or breaking package syncs.
> 
> That sounds like a good short-term solution, but I'd be very keen to get
> everything synced with Debian as soon as possible.

Looks like the User-contributed metadata for software-center is being
brought up for UDS-N  [7].
And it seems Stefano Zacchiroli from Debian will also be available at
the UDS. We could sync up with debian that way.

Will someone from the Docs team be available at the UDS? 

> 
> > [3] <https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SoftwareCenter/PackageDescriptions>
> > [4]
> > <http://www.debian.org/doc/developers-reference/best-pkging-practices.html#bpp-desc-basics>
> > [5] <http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=588898#10>
> > [6] <https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/rosetta/+question/120619>
> 

[7]
<https://blueprints.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+spec/other-foundations-n-user-contributed-metadata-for-software-center>


-- 
Cheers,
Vish