Bug#657195: Client package descriptions unclear, multiple clients cause confusion

[Filip Van Raemdonck]

Hi all,

Op 12/03/2012 7:52, Micah Gersten schreef:
> Package: freeciv
> Followup-For: Bug #657195
> User: ubuntu-devel at lists.ubuntu.com
> Usertags: origin-ubuntu precise ubuntu-patch
>
> There is an Ubuntu merge proposal to clarfiy the descriptions:
> https://code.launchpad.net/~cody.smith/ubuntu/precise/freeciv/lp.202327/+merge/96956
>
> Inline diff:
>    .
> - This is the Xaw3D version of the Freeciv client.
> + This version of the client uses the Xaw3d library, which is a replacement for the Athena toolkit and adds a 3D appearance and support for XPM images.
>
>    .
> - This is the GTK+ version of the Freeciv client.
> + This version of the client uses the GTK+ (GIMP Toolkit), A highly useable toolkit rich in features used in creating user interfaces.
>
> - This is the SDL version of the Freeciv client.
> + This version of the client uses the Simple DirectMedia Layer library, which is a cross-platform library for multimedia.
>

Please, take a step back and have a good look.

How do these proposed descriptions do anything to remove confusion?

Instead of just 3 acronyms (one library name, in each package) they 
actually add a few more. And confusion with it.

Just imagine doing the granny[*] test:

--------------
Athena, XPM, GIMP? WTH are those?
And why do I need toolkits to play a game on my computer? Do I need to 
take a hammer out and smash the screen?
What's with those libraries? Can I only play the games when I go over 
there, I don't even know where they are located?
--------------

Granted, the hammersmashing comment maybe a bit over the top but I hope 
you get the idea.

Certainly, the original descriptions don't do anything to help granny 
decide either. But at least there it is limited to just 3 brief cryptic 
words.

Actually, I would argue that these days even a lot of IT people wouldn't 
know - in either version of the descriptions! - what the difference 
packages are. Or those UI libraries.

And if they are not closely involved with technology that relates to GUI 
or gaming libraries, why should they, either?


If the package descriptions are changed, it should be so that 
"illiterate" users are steered towards the GTK+ client, if that is 
indeed the recommended version.

Maybe rather just make it so:

"This is the recommended client, which uses GTK+."
"This is the Xaw3D client; it is recommended to use the GTK+ client 
unless you really want to use Xaw3D."
"This is the SDL client; it is recommended to use the GTK+ client unless 
you really want to use SDL."

Because we will never be able to properly explain in the description 
what GTK+, SDL and Xaw3D are or do.
But we don't need to explain that either. Only provide help with 
choosing a client.



Kind regards,

Filip


[*] Or in my case that'd be rather my 80 year old neighbour