[Libreoffice-bugs] [Bug 134486] UI: Branding: LibreOffice Personal edition

[bugzilla-daemon at bugs.documentfoundation.org]

https://bugs.documentfoundation.org/show_bug.cgi?id=134486

--- Comment #22 from Telesto <telesto at surfxs.nl> ---
There is only one edition from TDF point of view. Which can be used by
everyone. So every ‘edition’ misplaced, IMHO

The eco-system partners deliver
+ Service/support
+ A orked versions of TDF versions with own branding + a few patches. Say a 6.1
line with some batches back ported still being back ported.. at least I think
they do

The eco-partners want profit of the LibreOffice label (or have to use it, no
sure if there is legal obligation) at the one hand. OTOH, the want distinct
from LibreOffice. 

Making the TDF builds an edition, would make the difference more obvious (for
promotion/marketing) The goal is more to promote/raise awareness of the
commercial variant from the eco-system partners. I assume.

This is technically not a TDF issue. Except TDF heavily relaying on the
eco-system partners (from development perspective + board). I don’t see
LibreOffice being actively developed without them. And what they do flows back
into LibreOffice (as far I can tell)

The whole symbiosis with TDF and the one hand and eco-partners at the other
will always be problematic. OTOH, I can’t think of any model without flaws. The
current model apparently works in some way. 

And not if this is the right timing for an internal focus. On experimenting
with the whole TDF eco-partners structure. It’s claiming a lot of resources and
waisting precious time. I personally prefer speeding up development.

The product quality needs to be improved, to keep in line with competitors. The
user base will move on, if we not keep up. This is problematic at community
level (less volunteers, less activity) and eco-system partners (no paying
customers, no developers). So a lovely spiral to the bottom. We are running
behind already from my point of view. Office is a commodity; rather easy to
replace.

There is really a need for developers. If the eco-system partners think the
benefit for some ‘edition’ which end up in more people working on LibreOffice,
please go ahead. Developers, developers, developers is my adagium, currently.
Not saying that a new model isn’t needed in the long run. It’s more about
priority’s. We don’t have the luxury to start battling each other on multiple
fronts. 

Another part of the issue is TDF with spending restrictions at the TDF side..
I’m heaving the impression lots of time/money is ‘waisted’ in the tedious
process of writing a tender. Which maybe not most efficient. Except to comply
with the law. I would prefer if TDF could hire a developer (partime, full
time). We are losing developers, and/or the time the are able to spend on
LibreOffice. And most project require lots of time, so can’t be done by
volunteers. And contributions of volunteers is of course more ‘ ad hoc’. Where
as paid developers can do work continuously (for example the welding project).

The view is based on my current observation and impressions and afloat. It can
change/develop based on input/visions etc.

--
The ‘edition’ story is not a ‘natural’ requirement, more a compromise. 

The addition:  “The Personal edition is supported by volunteers and intended
for individual use" Has to change. Personal is load terminology. And individual
use is wrong 

This already going in the right direction
“Intended for individuals and organizations that do not need professional
support…"

But not sure if a negative formulation is allowed. Being positive is mostly
better. I think. Even if this is ‘technically’ a proper statement. But didn’t
do a study (marketing) communication. And “do not need professional support”.
Direct to: IT department deploying LibreOffice (more technically) or user
support (how do I). 

Another question is if people actually would read that line anyhow. So is this
really necessary. Or we just revert tot the initial line. And assume the
‘edition’ stuff being enough.

Again another story is how prominent the edition should be present inside
LibreOffice. Does there need to be a ‘ ….. Edition’ shown in the Start Center
(will large fat letters) I prefer not, but that’s me. And if that needs to be
so, please make it more artistic.

Same thing for the title bar. Prefer not heaving an edition text in it either.
Somewhere in the Start-up splash screen (fine). About Window window image.
Background in Start Center should be enough (with a nice design. I think I have
seen a community logo already. Else something should be made.. But that's the
UX/Design departement)

The edition marketing should be done at website level. Not to much in-app.

Again another part is the story how the process went. A last moment marketing
strategy and large noticeable change on a touch area. If you want to people
getting pissed off... And backfire with negative PR on
https://planet.documentfoundation.org 

I still surprised how many departements/ people went along with this (or let it
happen, without objecting).. based on gerrit commit: dev, ux, marketing. There
needs to be a better protocol. I have the impression that some people letting
this go along on purpose, to get it escalated, because this easier way to make
a point. 
It surely works, but until people just drop out being pissed how things are
going.

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