[Gnu-arch-users] Re: Re: newbies should neither be seen nor heard

[John S. Yates, Jr.]

"Mikhael Goikhman" wrote:
>
> Unfortunately, at this point we should live with the Tom's whims forever.

First let me say that I have nothing but increasing respect for
Tom's skills and accomplishments.

That said I see Gnu Arch as really just emerging from a period
of prototype development.  If the project really wants to take
over the world, and especially supplant projects with momentum
and commercial customers (e.g. Subversion, BitKeeper, etc) then
I would warn against two mistakes I have experienced repeatedly
in my career:

1) Deferring to a tiny installed base instead of focusing on
   eliminating barriers to adoption

2) Believing that great technology will be irresistible no matter
   how it is presented

Appearances matter.  Expectations matter.  Standards (official
or de facto) matter.

/john