brain-dead leveling (was: Re: KIO->GnomeVFS bridge started (looking for a Common-VFS))

[Torsten Rahn]

Am Dienstag 21 Dezember 2004 01:52 schrieb Benjamin Meyer:

> configs.  You can't do all at once, but you can do them one at a time.  And
> if you want users to really think there is a common Linux desktop, support
> a common widget theme and icon set today.

No, it will just add another iconset among other existing ones. 
For KDE as a project itself I'd consider such an action even very very 
_harmful_ as it would delete its branding instantly. 
Whatever organization will promote Linux as a desktop *will* definately 
replace the design with their respective own branding material anyways (which 
also includes styles and iconthemes). In this regard Linux will _never_ 
promote a single branding (i.e. icontheme, style etc.) exclusively. You 
_will_ always have the different distributions and projects have their own 
branding.
 
I support interoperability that makes it easier for the user to integrate 
applications from other desktop environments. But I strongly condemn any 
measures which:

A) replace KDE technology advancements by significantly inferior technology 
just for the sake of brain-dead leveling. 
B) erase KDE branding just for the sake of brain-dead leveling. KDE-specific 
branding makes it easier to promote KDE as an independent project with its 
own development paradigms and philosophies.
C) introduce obstacles that keep KDE development from the most effective way 
to create significant innovative technologies and thereby a better user 
experience just to "wait" for other projects (e.g. to reinvent the wheel in 
the name of negligible advantages) and just for the sake of brain-dead 
leveling.

Regards,
Torsten Rahn

> -Benjamin Meyer