Re: [docbook-apps] Producing Open Source Software

[DavePawson <davep@dpawson.co.uk>]

Thomas Schraitle wrote:

> Although the above statement contains some truth, open source projects 
> fail because of something different: the lack of documentation. :)

Treading very carefully :-)

> 
> I know, it's only one reason. This impression is probably influenced from 
> my writer's point of view, but when you don't have (at least) something, 
> it makes it really hard. 
... for users of the software.

> From my impressions with developers, they tend to underestimate the 
> importance of documentation. Of course, there "natural" thinking is "Why 
> should I 'document' my things? Why should I care? Read the code, it's 
> there!"

Which may be a bit hard. Put a devs hat on and the important thing
is working code. The thought (sometimes ) goes, I'll do the docs later.



> 
> It goes a bit off-topic, but I've written about this some time ago:
> http://lizards.opensuse.org/2009/01/16/the-value-of-good-documentation/


Summary (mine, maybe Thomas too)
The 'code' (odd for docbook but you know what I mean) is important.
for the users, the documentation is equally important... unless you
have the brain the size of a planet.

So having good documentation people on the project is just as important
(some would say) as having the good coders.



regards

-- 
Dave Pawson
XSLT XSL-FO FAQ.
http://www.dpawson.co.uk