[Ichthux-devel] Re: Ichthux Logo was Re: [sword-devel] Re: Christian Debian distro talk / Report

[Ben Armstrong]

On Apr 9, 2005 11:49 AM, Marco Silva <mamsbrl at gmail.com> wrote:
> The Debian idea, IMHO, is excellent. I like the idea to have a tool
> (Christian tool) that is back it up with one of well respect distro in
> linux community. IMHO again, the Ichthux should not be a geek distro
> but a Christian distro, focus in people that does not have either
> knowledge or money to have a good computer.

Certainly Debian has the potential to be whatever sort of distribution
those who do the work make it.  Debian does have a reputation of being
a geek distro, but I doubt if it is explicitly the goal of all or even
most Debian developers to keep it that way.  What I have observed is
that Debian developers as a whole tend to value infrastructure that
makes sense over window dressings.  Yes, that has caused some
usability problems in the past, but I don't see anyone actively
resisting contributions to Debian to make it more "user friendly"
provided that it can be integrated into Debian in a way that makes
sense (where "makes sense" is articulately and thoroughly described in
Debian Policy).  I think so far as the dedicated Debian developer is
concerned, what is good for the users and makes sense to do will be
done.

Of course, these are broad generalizations, and I am sure anyone can
furnish for me several examples where individual Debian developers
have not behaved in this manner.  But if we take the packages relevant
to Christians and Christian ministries "under our wing" then we have
the say in how they are put together.  We will, of course, have the
best interests of our users in mind, and recognize and be sensitive to
the fact that most of those users will not be geeks.  You'll find that
many other Custom Debian projects are similar.  They are both in tune
with the Debian culture that demands uncompromising excellence and
adherence to policy, and at the same time, are in tune with their
various user communities who are overwhelmingly made of non-geeks. 
Have a look over their list archives, and you'll see that common theme
running through them all.

Ben