On Thu, Oct 11, 2018 at 5:29 PM Máirín Duffy <duffy(a)fedoraproject.org> wrote:
On 10.10.18 17:29, Sanja Bonic wrote:
> It's important to look at the user base of who is preferring mailing
> lists and how it holds up for new users. Mailing lists are the preferred
> way for most people who've used them for a long time, but new users
> (newcomers to open source, younger people) definitely prefer to write on
> a forum and for that experience, it's better if it's a more modern one
> with relevant features that enhance user experience.
I agree with that 100% - that was the rationale for Hyperkitty's
creation several years ago. Even for long time, experienced & technical
Fedora contributors contributing design talent to the project, the old
school mailing list style of communication was limiting our efforts to
recruit.
While not being able to follow the council via mail is a barrier for me
personally as an old-timer, I also understand my needs aren't the
primary ones here.
However, if Discourse is only available via webui and the email
notification system is limited, then I'd worry about it lacking the
network effects to get new users coming back. When a system is built on
email, there's at least a mechanism to receive notifications (easily
turned off in HK) to keep you engaged with the community. When it's a
random web url + sign up, what is driving repeat visits?
If the discourse/forum threads are easier and more engaging for new
contributors of today versus mailing lists, then I think we have two
answers here. Those who are engaged and want to be regular
contributors are already in a routine where visiting these sites
regularly is going to happen. The other is that we may see a rise in
episodic contributors. I just finished contributing to a study on
episodic contributors and look forward to seeing the final results.
We may find that we are able to boost our episodic contribution rate
in a way that effectively grows our project and really focuses in on
our mission of helping people serve their communities of choice.
Also, on the email notification side, I have enabled "watch first
post" in areas of my interest. It is brilliant. Whenever a new
thread starts, I get an email. At that point I only get follow ups on
threads I find interest in.
regards,
bex
It'll certainly be interesting to see how it works in practice!
~m
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Brian (bex) Exelbierd | bexelbie(a)redhat.com | bex(a)pobox.com
Fedora Community Action & Impact Coordinator
@bexelbie |
http://www.winglemeyer.org