[REBOL] Re: Encap/Distributions
From: tim:johnsons-web at: 21-Oct-2001 14:06
Jason has written a VERY insightful email. I just had to
add a little more of my two cents worth. Remember, it
is just 2 cents worth!
<snip>
> job for life? ...ouch not so fast...
> Last year was a pretty rocky year for the Python core crew:
> They left the CNRI ship when it became clear those hearts/heads were not
> into the spirit of Python. Found a refuge in a hillside camp at the
> hideously named 'BeOpen' while patiently dodging a series of energy-zapping
> ugly licensing-related mortar attacks from CNRI and elsewhere.
What a difference a year makes!!
> encap: next encap
> REBOL presently lacks suitable hands-on evangelists in the press. Most
> stories are old. REBOL/Encap is not articulated anywhere that I can see
Kind of a chicken-or-egg scenario ... :>(. Python has a place in
linux because it runs many Linux install and config programs.
Really think RT needs to work to get core as part of Linux Distros.
> except by reference and advice to send an email.
Here's a story for you:
System administrator that I know adminsters a Windows 2000 Server.
Called RT to ask if Windows 95/98/NT version had been tested on
Win 2000. The person on the other end said something like:
Try it and let us know how it works.
Bad marketing RT. Bad, bad marketing.
>If Encap is 'shipping' then
> why not post some demos on rebol.com so people can try it out?
Bingo!
> This parallels closely again the Zope story where Digital Creations kept
> _very_ quiet about some major commercial uses of Zope, even as the on-line
> developer community was clamoring for high-profile commercial examples to
> help sell their bosses and potential clients with. DC were not making money
> from Zope, [free+openSource] but they do make money with Zope, from
> consulting contracts.
> The lack of clarity, even a few well thought out paragraphs upfront- may do
> some real damage I fear towards the commercial acceptance of REBOL. If the
> strategy is not to promote Encap or to hide Rebol [Trojan horse?], then why
> not directly address the needs of developers and their clients about
> security/delivery/distribution etc.
I'm the world's worst self-promoter. I never advertise what I can do
until I CAN do it. <hint! hint!>
> Suppose one does not need REBOL/Encap but does need to protect code adn have
> a clear installation?
> Where is that scenario played out.. What does anyone suggest?
>
> So what are the lessons for REBOL in this saga?
>
> I believe REBOL/View is a killer toolkit in itself.
> It is almost a killer app. But that is only the way designers and
> enthisuastic developers look at it. The rest of the workld need books and
> demos, and ones which are really simple to install. For some this means one
> click, single executables, especially on Win32.
>
> To bring wider spread public attention and gain some valuable evangelists it
> still lacks more turnkey apps [Rebol/IOS??] and/or encap executables to
> accompany.
>
> If encap is NOT the a strategy and design philosophy then say so and say it
> well. If it is crucial then make it accessible and promote it.
>
> Rebol and RT are obviously a small smart dedicated group of people with a
> wonderful technology. Time and resources are scarce for everyone and
> hopefully in the coming months REBOL/IOS will make things clearer.
>
> - Jason
Just one more thought. There is more to IT than dot-coms/dot-bombs,
ecommerce etc. And it is a almost totally untouched area.
I've written about it.
I work in it. But getting people's attention is extremely
difficult. So sad.
Can you guess what it is?
--
Tim Johnson <[tim--johnsons-web--com]>
http://www.johnsons-web.com
