A proposal for the new roadmap 11.04

[Valter Mura]

Hi All,

with regard to the latest announcement made by David in the list, I would like 
to submit to you my humble ideas about a new structure for Ubuntu translations 
in Launchpad.

The idea is very simple: splitting the Ubuntu translation structure from one 
single branch into, at least, 4 branches with eventual derivative sub-
branches. The reason is to have a more rational structure in which translators 
can easily individuate and manage packages to translate.

I think also that a new structure will facilitate the work of the translators 
and speed up the translation process.

Here is a possible subdivision:

#1 - Ubuntu-files: this branch would include language files related only to 
Ubuntu, say "shared" files;

#2 - Ubuntu-Gnome files: this branch would include only upstream language files 
coming from the Gnome project plus upstream files containing possible changed 
strings;

#3 - Kubuntu-KDE files: this branch would include only upstream language files 
coming from the KDE project plus upstream files containing possible changed 
strings;

#4 - Xubuntu-XFCE files: this branch would include only upstream language files 
coming from the XFCE project plus upstream files containing possible changed 
strings.

#5- For 2, 3, 4 files there should be also indication of original (upstream) 
URL, and possibility to have e-mail notification of changes in the files (this 
applies also to #1).

#6- For upstream files, there could be also a note indicating the "upstream" 
situation of the file, for example, if the file is contained in a stable or 
unstable/trunk branch.

#7- Release cycles should be coordinated with the release ones of the upstream 
work-flows. To clarify this point: the release of a language update must be 
done only after the release of the upstream. This seems to be logical, but 
often it isn't, above all if packs are taken from both branches indicated in 
#6. Language packs are often incomplete, if the upstream way is not followed. 
This involves also the work in Launchpad, which could vanish after an upstream 
update. In this way, translators who work on an "upstream 
(untranslated/partially untranslated) package" could notify directly the 
translator in charge, thanks to #5: "Hey, I translated the file you are working 
on, I'll send it to you so that you could give it a look and use, if you 
wish."

These are only some humble suggestions, I hope to contribute to improve the 
system with these few ideas.

By the way, I like very much the idea of an "Ubuntu Translation Portal"! :-)

Ciao!
-- 
Valter
Registered Linux User #466410  http://counter.li.org
Kubuntu Linux: www.kubuntu.org
OpenOffice.org: www.openoffice.org