Planning an overall direction for LFS

[Robert Daniels]

On Sunday 02 March 2008 02:26:07 taipan wrote:
>
> Yeah, you're right. In that sense, separate modules on bootstrapping
> & PM would be sequential as you initially proposed. However it still
> leaves the (optional) issue of scripting/automating the
> bootstrap-module unsolved. I'm afraid i have no further suggestions
> to make on that at this point...
>
I'm really not too sure what to do about the scripting myself.  In some 
ways it makes sense to put it with package management, as they both 
relate to automation.  As you note, it would also make sense before the 
bootstrap, to teach how to automate that module.  A third option is to 
refer to outside sources for scripting tutorials.  LFS currently 
assumes a basic level of Linux competency, and I wouldn't want to 
totally get rid of this requirement.  Scripting information is 
available in abundance through the internet and bash documentation.

> >> Does LFS want to cater to as wide an audience as possible, or
> >> would it be worthwhile defining a 'target-demographic' at an early
> >> stage in the planning process?
> >
> > Also a good point.  As an LFS control freak, I just post where _I_
> > would like to see the project go, and hope that my ideas are useful
> > in some form. ;)
>
> I feel much the same way, as i'm sure do most of the list-members
> here - it's extremely hard to be truly objective, it's against
> human-nature. The only difference between us would probably be that
> i'm more of 'an LFS control freak who would like to learn which steps
> on the learning-ladder he bypassed along the way'...
>
> ...And this mentality has had me thinking about what would help LFS's
> cause if it were decided to (& i really hate to use such a
> condescending term) 'lower the bar' so as to attract & retain a wider
> readership than presently exists. I have a few ideas on the subject
> that i'm still refining, but i won't post them unless the community
> decides that 'defining a target-demographic' is necessary.
>
> taipan

Thinking on it, I believe the target demographics are already pretty 
well defined.  Demographics, plural, and that is the problem.  In the 
past LFS targetted primarily 1 demographic: The Linux Veteran.  I think 
now we are trying to, as you put, 'lower the bar' and accomodate less 
experienced Linux users.  Not total Linux newbies, coming straight from 
Windows, but those who have possible only used Linux for a short time.

At the same time, in no way do we want to abandon our current target 
audience, or LFS veterans.  This would quickly spell death for the 
project.

So, all of a sudden, we have multiple target audiences, at very 
different levels of experience.  It will be a problem trying to come up 
with a solution that will satisfy all of them, but I think it can be 
done.

-- 
Robert Daniels