On Thu, May 28, 2015 at 12:58 PM, Michael Catanzaro <mcatanzaro@gnome.org> wrote:
...we can stop branding our releases with a
version number...we still have the six-month cycle, but
this is hidden to users...this is the model Windows is moving to...
 
As Josh alluded, I'm not exactly clear on the value of keeping things the same behind the
scenes and hiding the release levels from the users.  For me, the release change indicates 
first of all that I should read the release notes and familiarize myself with what has changed.

The release number also serves as an easy reference to what levels of software you're running,
albeit at a high level (due to maintenance changes).  You're always going to need to understand
that and if you get rid of the release number you'll need to come up with another type of 
indicator that is as simple and easy to understand.  

Matt referenced the advertising factor; and that's a great point.  Everyone always is interested
in the latest and greatest.  The press is geared toward that... everyone is always buzzing about 
the new Android release, IOS version, Windows version, etc.  

Speaking of Windows, their strategy has more to do about changes to their revenue model (which
has been driven by the fact that Linux, IOS, Android, etc. are "Free".) than anything else.  They are still 
talking about major updates and if past experience is any guide you'll probably see major changes
identified as "Service Pack X" as they did in the past.