I guess, I was hoping to see more of a meld of the 'open community' (I know it makes me sound a bit credulous or just makes me seem foolish but i dont mind i guess).
John ... there is a glut of "Open Community meld" going on at the swamp, especially with regards to AutoLISP. There are approximately 2500 separate threads specific to AutoLISP alone, never mind the cross pollination that occurs between forums where AutoLISP gets anted up as a solution or remedy to a problem that may not necessarily be floated originally as an AutoLISP challenge. Simply put, the swamp is the envy of most other AutoLISP discussion forums.
My response with regards to "after the survey package" etc. was a vague reference to the challenges and difficulties any library team would face trying to compile a common library. History has shown it's extremely difficult to achieve consensus on coding standards and styles unless it's mandated and policed from the top down. Or done solo. It's largely because a committee is a 12 legged creature that tries to crawl in 6 different directions.
Even with a "Manager Elect" it's challenging at best to have the kind of sustained passion and determination it takes to build a complete, solid, efficient and professional level library unless you start with committed professionals with shared goals, ideals and benefit (not necessarily economic). I just don't see said folks having a long burn interest because this one has comparatively little benefit in contrast to other projects out in the wild -- they already have their libraries -- this really isn't something new.
Is it impossible? Of course not. Am I wrong? 50/50 chance on that. But my experience suggests the odds are that it won't come to fruition.
Challenge extended: Please do prove me wrong.
But, to be blunt--and you know that i ultimately dont mean to be 'gruff'...--i think it was a missed opportunity when OpenDCL decided to create a forum separate of this one (i had just noticed that thread this evening.).
Help me to understand this. Is it not the right and interest of just about any company to want to establish their own web presence? Does MP have a web site or two, does Chuck? Does Keith? Does Craig? Does Autodesk? Does McNeel? Do they have their own forums? Are you boycotting them?
That being said, i do not think that *I* will continue working on a OpenDCL AutoLisp std library.
Does this mean you are 'punishing' the OpenDCL effort? because if it is I must tell you it would be a classic case of cutting off the nose to spite the face.
OpenDCL is becoming an outstanding product, indeed, with all due respect and kudos to Chad, it's far surpassing it's original architecture and limits. It means significant rich interfaces can be defined, implemented and maintained with very little effort. Owen and the crew have been working very hard to make it a stable and well documented product. Due to the collective momentum and work load Barry may have been a little too concise with his message about the new forum, but there was the genuine attempt to give thanks to, and acknowledgment to the swamp and Mark for his help during the genesis of the product by generously providing forum space. I see no problem or conflict with Owen and crew now desiring a unique presence and board exclusive to the support of their software. Indeed, there is already much confusion between ObjectDCL and OpenDCL, a discrete board will alleviate that confusion. Obviously ObjectDCL discussions would not happen on the new forum, but they wouldn't be discouraged at the swamp -- would they?
I understand your loyalty to the swamp John, it's noble, sincere and admirable, but please consider the possibility that the OpenDCL effort is being performed by ethical, credible professionals; folks that are fueled merely by their interest in supporting the community that was once orphaned by the cessation of the original product. Folks not unlike you. In case you don't know it was the community of ODCL users that begged Owen to take up the effort. Once he reluctantly agreed others followed and took up the cause because the man is an outstanding gentleman, leader and programmer -- in that order.
I will acknowledge that I wouldn't have posted a "Hey, don't post here, post over there" type comment. It could have been phrased more eloquently. Hey, I've had my share of "Dang, could have said that better" moments. You had one maybe?
To close I'll extend this invitation -- Since you are keen to be involved in Open Source efforts I'd ask you to consider helping out the OpenDCL effort by using and testing the product so that any bugs and / or omissions in the documentation can be addressed and remedied. You have your own unique experience and perspective, shame to not benefit from it.
But maybe I'm wrong and ramble for naught ...
