Guys,
I know this email will somehow backfire on me or brings out more harsh
discussion but I was disappointed and upset by this issue for few days now
and just want to put it out there.
Recently I have sent out a survey request for Zanata platform in this
mailing list, asking for translators' feedback for improvement and
understand our users. But it was knocked back for various reasons.
I admit there are few points that were pointed out are valid and should be
corrected, eg. Mandatory of email, and use of Google. However, I was
troubled by the rather harsh critics and unexpected response. And yes, I do
take it personally.
The comments below are all my opinion personally.
1) I never force anyone to partake the survey, if anyone is uncomfortable
doing it, then don't do it.
2) One of the reason I was told is that the survey is only for the benefit
of Zanata, not Fedora. That to me is a very selfish mindset and I strongly
disagree with that. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think that's how
Fedora community works.
3) Another reason was I need to "discuss it first" before doing it. For a
survey? Although I understand the benefit of letting the group know
beforehand, but is it not the same as sending out the survey and just don't
do it if you're not comfortable?
4) I was told to " respect mailing lists guidelines". Isn't mailing list
main purpose it for communication? And I do think it is the right platform
to use to communicate with all translators in Fedora, unless there are some
other ways. Until now, I am still not sure what wrong I did in the email.
Maybe I'm violating the guideline in this email too :)
Having to work with various large communities, I understand different
people have different opinion and I do respect that. Also I like to think
myself as a reasonable person which often takes critics as an opportunity
to improve myself, or on any project. Often I do try my best to provide
explanation and solution to any issue. But getting complaint just to send
out a survey with the impression of no respect at all is a whole new level
for me.
I believe community work is only success by working together and be able to
provide constructive feedback to each other for improvement. This to me
will not help with the situation and only will move things backwards.
My main goal in the Fedora community is to improve and help the project
with whatever I can. If I am doing things not in the right way, please do
let me know and I am more than happy to be corrected.
Regards,
--
Alex Eng