Ideas for the Xubuntu desktop (Was: [TEAM] Gathering "testimonials" for marketing purposes)

[Mark F]

""" This means if enough people want change (and are there to do the tasks
needed), then it's likely to happen as well. """

I guess what I'm trying to imply is that there are (apparently) enough
people when you count all those using different Xfce implementations.

It seems like a chicken/egg thing. People went to Mint because it "looks
better." That creates a limited group here for "testimonials." You're
trying to reach what I would describe (from your description) as a larger
limited audience. Whereas, if there was more outreach to those who don't
choose Xubuntu the way it is, then there would be a larger community who
support the sorts of things they support elsewhere.

I think we're saying the same thing. It's just "which comes first." You
want to be more relevant, reaching more people who find your design
decisions to be appealing. One way to do that is to describe how it is
appealing, to find more people who share those tastes. Another way would be
to make it more *easily* like distros (more?) people find appealing. If
it's just a matter of configuration, it seems like it could be something
like a button-press to get a different desktop (like Zorin does).

I'm just coming up with ideas off the top of my head.

I get the impression (distrowatch) MintX has more users, but perhaps not as
sophisticated, knowledgeable. So, that's why there isn't the support
community like Ubuntu (generally) has. You're looking to evangelize the
like-minded. I'm just saying, if the goal is more people, why should that
be limited to a particular aesthetic. A "big tent" approach could bring
more people in, give them better support, etc.

I had already been thinking about this. The topic about soliciting user
feedback ("testimonials," almost a religious experience) for the purpose of
advocacy ("marketing") seemed to invite these thoughts. Does Xubuntu really
have to be "pure?" Couldn't it be more things to more people (especially if
a majority are heading to Mint?). Soliciting "testimonials" and having a
goal to grow the userbase is an act of pragmatics (outreach). I'm just
asking why not start from the beginning and ask how those non-Xubuntu users
were lost. Accomodate them (especially if it's just about democracy and
catering to the largest common denominator).

I appreciate having the opportunity to air my thoughts about it. I get the
impression that it's not welcome (much, subject-line changes so it's not
related to the original point I was replying to, etc.). That's ok. I
respect the group's wishes and will let it go. Sometimes it's good to think
about things from a fresh perspective. It's easy to get locked into an us
vs. them mentality, "no need to try to attract those people... we need more
people like us." Hopefully my contribution might cause some of that to be
re-thought.
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