Re: Octave web update

[Richard Crozier]

On 21/02/15 15:11, Carnë Draug wrote:
> On 21 February 2015 at 13:45, Ben Abbott <address@hidden> wrote:
> > > On Feb 20, 2015, at 22:27, Mike Miller <address@hidden> wrote:
> > >
> > > > On Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 12:57:25 -0500, Jordi Gutiérrez Hermoso wrote:
> > > > The web site is actually a CVS repo:

> But even in a desktop, I don't really think the new design is better
> than the current one. What problem exactly is the new design trying
> to solve?

Marketing? Not a problem if you don't care if anyone uses Octave I suppose.

The new website makes it look like the project is well supported, 
including by a wider community than just the core developers working on 
the code. This gives confidence to new users in the viability and 
continuation of the project, for which the website is the first point of 
contact with the project.

It is an unfortunate fact of the world that if you care about people 
using your software you have to make pretty pictures and stuff to 
advertise it. It gives the 'feel' of a project that's not just going to 
disappear to new users, particularly enterprise, if this is a market you 
are interested in. Unfortunately it's just not enough for the product 
itself to be great.

The newer website looks amazing and was clearly produced by someone who 
knows how to make a great (and professional) looking site. I for one 
think use should be made of the fantastic effort, rather than throw it 
in the bin and discourage anyone else with the relevant skills bothering 
to help in the future?

Just my thoughts,
Richard



--
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
Scotland, with registration number SC005336.