Re: lynx-dev Re: LinuxApps: Lynx

[David Woolley]

>    typical linux machines that would use those packages have a compiler
>       installed anyway and users can compile from source without problems
>       and with a better chance to configure it as they want;

Unfortunately, the typical Linux user these days is only marginally
more technically competent than the typical Windows user (although the
latter still argue that Linux is too technical).  They do not know and
do not want to know how to build from source.

Unfortunately, they have also been taught, by Microsoft, to want the 
latest beta quality software, and don't realise that there is also
alpha quality software out there in the freeware arena.

A significant element of the Linux community itself, particularly those
with anti-Microsoft leanings (and companies that sell Linux commercially),
are positively encouraging Linux to move into this market.

Moreover, there seem to be quite a few people out there who want to make
a name for themselves by being the first to bring out an RPM, so there is
competition to create the first RPM of each alpha version (from what I've
heard, Debian is rather more disciplined in this respect, than Red Hat).

Although I haven't visited freshmeat; my impression is that it is under
a commercial imperative to get as many hits as possible, which means that
it has to be driven by the market demand for the very latest versions.
Unfortunately, the GPL means you can't embargo such distribution.

Therefore, although what you say is true in an ideal world, it is no
longer a realistic expectation in the real world.