lynx-dev metachat (was short_url option)

[Klaus Weide]

On Sat, 7 Aug 1999, Larry W. Virden wrote:
> From: Klaus Weide <address@hidden>
> > I find most of the discussions on lynx-dev about what I call 'fancy
> > ideas' - basically discussing wishlist items in much detail, without
> > much regard for the 'how?' of implementation - not very productive.
> 
> So do we need another mailing list or newsgroup for people to discuss
> wish lists for lynx?  Seems rather a shame if we are going to route everyone
> else here and send those who would like to see lynx do more away...

I didn't say that anybody should go away (and didn't mean it, either).
All I said was that *I* find those wishlist discussions "without much
regard for the 'how?'" not very productive - that's all.  Kind of in
response to a question what I though of a specific idea.  Don't read
too much into it.  In fact, I regard splitting of lynx-dev as another
'fancy idea' of dubious value. :)

> > They rarely seem to lead to implementation.  [...]
> 
> I thought that was one of the purposes of brainstorming - exchange ideas,

Certainly, but who claims brainstorming alone is productive? :)
It produces ideas, but there doesn't seem to be a shortage of
fancy ideas anyway.  In fact so many that it's hard to keep track
of them (maybe that's my gripe).

> regardless of how far fetched, for the purpose of sparking imagination
> or creativity - and letting the one who is going to implement come up with
> 'the best fit' or 'what they prefer' or 'what is wanted' in the end.
> 
> I know I get the impression that many people are 'disappointed' that
> someone else isn't going to write their feature for them for free.  But I
> see that in many other mailing lists as well.

Actually, I don't see much of that on lynx-dev.  Users on lynx-dev are
understanding and kind for the most part.  They don't demand fancy features
a lot, they just discuss them a lot. :)

> Very seldom does a mailing
> list consist of a large group of bored programmers just looking for something
> else to do.  Where are the Linux open source programmers when you need
> them <grin>?

Why, some are here.

   Klaus