[ba-unrev-talk] An important interview
Well, I think it's important to unrev-think
http://www.linuxandmain.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=141
"There are a few genuine legends in the Linux community, and among them is
an Aussie named Carsten Haitzler. Who? That's right -- the name probably
means nothing to you. but his nom de code inspires awe in many. He is The
Rasterman, and for many years he has been the symbol of innovative,
uncompromising excellence in pushing the potential of the Linux desktop to
and past its limits. He is the founder, though "inventor" would not be too
strong a word, of the Enlightenment project, an infinitely configurable
window manager that is working its way toward becoming a desktop, even
though he thinks the desktop battle is lost. In an email interview, he
talks about what he's doing, his view of the future of desktop Linux, the
nature of development projects -- commercial, community-based, and
genius-based -- and much more." (01)
"When projects get too big people spend more time in politics (talking on
mailing lists and waiting for others) than actually doing something useful.
Generally, splitting something up, not autonomous units, and have them work
on their own and just end up working in unison ends up more efficient,
imho. This still means people have to agree how they interface, but again,
imho, the "benevolent dictator" method when one or a very small number
decide the important bits (the glue between the parts) and then let the
rest roll. I also don't see "the more the better" as better. Too many cooks
spoil the broth. Sometimes one or two really good people will easily beat
10 or 20 average ones only working on something in their spare time. I
personally prefer the "crack troops" style. Get five or six really good
people and they can do a lot. Hundreds of part-timers, imho, don't work as
well." (02)