Re: [PLUG] is there an audience for linux matrix?

[James Barrett <jadoba@jadoba.net>]

schwepes@netaxs.com wrote:
> I know it is an extra order of complexity but such a matrix, or dynamic
> flow chart, could start with a questionaire about the user's skill level
> and needs and potential needs and then weed down the distros instead of
> simply offering a list of distros.
> bs

I am trying to think from the prospective of both an advanced user and a 
novice.  A person completely new to linux would not know which 
distributions to compare, so a questionnaire would be helpful to them. 
However, a seasoned Linux admin would not want to go through such a 
questionnaire.  Would it be a good idea to have the main site tailored 
for novices, and create a subdomain using the same engine geared towards 
advanced users?

In any event, your idea brings up an important issue which should not be 
overlooked - balancing advanced users with novices visiting one site.  I 
think that a prominent button or link on the front page which leads to a 
questionnaire would be a good idea, but I would rather create a tag 
cloud or something similar.  This solution would have less potential for 
bias and will cut down on a lot of costs as it could be automated and 
constructed quicker.  The trade off is that it will be less personal 
than a questionnaire.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_cloud

The question is, how would it be determined which distro gets the 
largest text size in the cloud?   What measurable facts are the most 
important for the general popularity of a linux distribution?

-James

P.S. - Some people seem to think I am re-inventing the wheel and 
complicating things by creating this site.  Am I?
___________________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Linux Users Group         --        http://www.phillylinux.org
Announcements - http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-announce
General Discussion  --   http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug