Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

On Mon, Oct 25, 2010 at 2:22 AM,  wrote:

> Hello,
>
> thank you for your efforts and input! I personally like the lighter
> versions better. Maybe because I live in an area that is currently getting
> darker every day, therefore I like a lighter design.
>
> Thanks again!
>
> Sincerely,
> Stefan
>
>
To be honest, I like the lighter version as well.  I know that Scott
preferred a darker theme, as that is more in line with the Ubuntu Studio
branding up to this point.

I've gone ahead and added the earlier image of the 'light' theme to the wiki
page for the sake of completeness.
-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Mike Holstein]

i really appreciate the efforts going on here... this wiki page is great
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp ...seems like we have
some great ideas to choose from... thank you to everyone submitting ideas...
'impact' and 'audio horizons' both are looking great to me, and very 'ready
to go'...

On Sun, Oct 24, 2010 at 8:29 PM, Brian David  wrote:

> Alright, I've finished the next updates on my theme.  It has been converted
> to a dark theme (using some of the more flashy graphics I have been working
> on.  I felt the flat colors of the light theme just didn't work well in the
> dark version), and I've separated it into a landing page and a content
> page.  You can find the images, as well as some descriptive text, at the
> revamp wiki:
>
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp
>
> I named the theme 'Impact' (cheesy, I know) and it is below Benjamin's
> 'Audio Horizons' theme.
>
> Let me know what you all think.
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>


-- 
MH
http://www.myspace.com/mikeholstein

http://opensourcemusician.libsyn.com/
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

Alright, I've finished the next updates on my theme.  It has been converted
to a dark theme (using some of the more flashy graphics I have been working
on.  I felt the flat colors of the light theme just didn't work well in the
dark version), and I've separated it into a landing page and a content
page.  You can find the images, as well as some descriptive text, at the
revamp wiki:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp

I named the theme 'Impact' (cheesy, I know) and it is below Benjamin's
'Audio Horizons' theme.

Let me know what you all think.
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

On Thu, Oct 21, 2010 at 7:05 PM, Chris Jones wrote:

> On Wed, 2010-10-20 at 17:25 -0500, Brian David wrote:
> > Hey everyone, while working an updated mock-up for my website theme, I
> > came up with an idea for an Ubuntu Studio wallpaper.  It looks like
> > this:
> >
> > http://www.sunmachine.coop/ubuntu/amp_thumbnail.png
> >
> > The pic is of an older amplifier I use for my turntable.  This image
> > is just a thumbnail, and not usable as a wallpaper.  If anyone wants
> > an actual wallpaper, just let me know what size, and I'll post it.
> >
> > I'll try to get the finished mock-up out to the list later tonight.
> >
>
> How can I put it nicely, but that's darn ugly! And that wallpaper would
> be replaced quick smart if it made its way onto my system.
>
> No offense intended, but it's not my taste and don't think it would be
> suitable for a default or additional wallpaper for Ubuntu Studio.
>
> Kind regards
>
>
> --
>
> Chris Jones
>
>
Heh, well you can't win them all. :)

-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Chris Jones]

On Wed, 2010-10-20 at 17:25 -0500, Brian David wrote:
> Hey everyone, while working an updated mock-up for my website theme, I
> came up with an idea for an Ubuntu Studio wallpaper.  It looks like
> this:
> 
> http://www.sunmachine.coop/ubuntu/amp_thumbnail.png
> 
> The pic is of an older amplifier I use for my turntable.  This image
> is just a thumbnail, and not usable as a wallpaper.  If anyone wants
> an actual wallpaper, just let me know what size, and I'll post it.
> 
> I'll try to get the finished mock-up out to the list later tonight.
> 

How can I put it nicely, but that's darn ugly! And that wallpaper would
be replaced quick smart if it made its way onto my system.

No offense intended, but it's not my taste and don't think it would be
suitable for a default or additional wallpaper for Ubuntu Studio.

Kind regards


-- 

Chris Jones

PHOTO RESOLUTIONS - Photo - Graphic - Web
www: http://photoresolutions.freehostia.com
@: chrisjo...@comcen.com.au
ABN: 98 317 740 240


-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

Hey everyone, while working an updated mock-up for my website theme, I came
up with an idea for an Ubuntu Studio wallpaper.  It looks like this:

http://www.sunmachine.coop/ubuntu/amp_thumbnail.png

The pic is of an older amplifier I use for my turntable.  This image is just
a thumbnail, and not usable as a wallpaper.  If anyone wants an actual
wallpaper, just let me know what size, and I'll post it.

I'll try to get the finished mock-up out to the list later tonight.

-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

On Sun, Oct 17, 2010 at 7:33 AM, Scott Lavender wrote:

>
>
>  Brian,
>
> Sorry it has taken so long to reply.  Just been very, very busy, man.
>
> *SNIP*
>
> I hope this answers your questions.  Please let me know if you have other
> questions or concerns.
>
> ScottL
>
>
Thanks, Scott, that's a pretty thorough answer.  I'm very curious about the
process involved with working with Canonical and getting changes approved by
them.  How do you learn about that kind of stuff?

I'll get an updated mock-up out to the list by Wednesday, where I'll add the
suggestions from you and others.  In addition to the landing page mock-up,
I'll do a content page design as well.  I'll also write up a description of
the theme (and maybe even come up with a name!) similar to what Benjamin has
done.  That way there's basically the same information available to compare
and contrast.

-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Scott Lavender]

On Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 8:50 PM, Brian David  wrote:

>
> I'm not sure if this is directed at Benjamin or me, or perhaps both.
> Regardless, I could apply either suggestion to my design.
>
> However, I would like to get back to the question of decision making for
> this process.  It would be helpful for me, and probably others, to know
> exactly what approach Scott plans to take for making the ultimate decision
> here, and in what time frame.  I'm okay with whatever is decided, I just
> don't want to spend too much more time on these mock-ups before I know with
> more certainty if I'll be working on this project, and in what capacity.  It
> would be frustrating to come up with something really polished, only to have
> it decided that we'll be moving in a different direction. :)
>
> --
> -Brian David


 Brian,

Sorry it has taken so long to reply.  Just been very, very busy, man.

The part that you quote was actually directed at Benjamin (I had already
mentioned the colours to you previously), however, a dark theme would be
desired for your mockup as well.  Our current theme is dark, it's more or
less a trademark, so I think we should probably stay with it for the website
as well.

* The Process *
I'll be honest about this process; I haven't really had a cohesive plan
through the beginning of this, mea culpa.  Obviously I did not start with a
definite and clear vision of what the website should be, much to the
detriment of the process itself.

However, this is how I would like to proceed from here on out:

Unless someone else proffers another mockup, the choice is between your
mockup, Brian, and Benjamin's.  They are both leagues better than the one I
developed.

I have already made a few topical suggestions on an aesthetic level along
with some more fundemental/philosophical suggestions concerning audience and
purpose.  Hopefully we can see updates soon (within a week or so) per these
suggestions. One thing I didn't mention before is that yours did have a
definitive branding with the logo emblem, which can be powerful.

* Deciding - How *
As to how I will be deciding which direction, my primary concern now is with
how well the website will serve its users.  Pretty may be a feature, but if
the website is functionally useless people will only visit it once, and that
is suboptimal and nondesirable.  The website that addresses this concern
will most likely be chosen.

I tend to believe the majority of people who will use this website are
either completely ignorant about Ubuntu Studio and coming to learn more
about what Ubuntu Studio is exactly or else somewhat experienced and want to
know more about how to use it.  Therefore, it is my opinion that we need to
address this audience and their needs/expectations to maximize the
usefulness of this website.  I imagine most of this is already defined here
- https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp#Rough%20Site%20Map, it
just needs to be placed into the website.  Put yourself in their shoes and
try to accommodate what they might expect.  Hell, get a friend to visit the
current website and have them tell you what would make it better ;)

* Deciding - When *
I would expect to make a decision about which direction to take when we see
updates to the mockups.  In a rough timetable, hopefully this can be done
within a month from now.  This allows for you and Benjamin to update your
mockups and me to think about it thoroughly.  Keep in mind I'm also working
on everything else Ubuntu Studio, including other major changes for Natty,
while others might focus entirely on the website update, I have deadlines in
other arenas as well.  There may be some lag.

Once a direction is made, we find out who would like to be involved in
building the site.  Perhaps the person who creates the chosen mockup doesn't
develop or code websites and we may need to rely on others who volunteer
after that point.

* Timetable *
The end goal would be to have the website ready for when Natty is released
(or possibly before).  If we can pick a direction within the month then this
should give us almost five months to code the site and develop content.

I have a VPS that I will make available as a sandbox to develop the site as
necessary.  Once it is acceptable we can see about moving it over to the
code under ubuntustudio-dev on Launchpad and then onto the Canonical
servers.

I warn those who think that it is already taking too long that I expect the
whole process to take several months to accomplish, to do this correctly and
through proper channel it will take time.  For example, I expect it to take
several weeks wading through bureaucratic machinations to just be able to
have access to upload the new website.  I believe this to be one of the
biggest improvements we have taken in quite some time and I will see that it
is done as properly as possible.


I hope this answers your questions.  Please let me know if you have other
questions or concerns.

ScottL
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ub

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Benjamin Turner]

>
> Hi Benjamin!
>
> Very cool! I like it a lot and would like to learn whether all your
> creations were done using Ubuntu Studio applications?
> For example, one can create a great looking image in GIMP resembling a
> website, but how does one proceed further. Which tools would one use to turn
> the GIMP file into an HTML file? I guess this could be something included in
> the tasks section.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Stefan
>


Hey Stefan --

To answer your question, I do use Ubuntu Studio (with some other packages
added) to create digital graphics.  In terms of designing things for the
web, I will typically layout and build things using Inkscape.  If i'm doing
something that requires altering a photo then I will fire up GIMP, but not
until it is necessary.  My main rational for this is that with raster
(bitmap) images and layouts, things degrade quite quickly as you make
changes.  Also, in terms of personal preference, I think that I just think
in 'vector' style.

 I do know that some people use GIMP for creating the prototype, however for
me I prefer Inkscape.  I think that it boils down to a couple of things.

1) Inkscape is a drawing program, as opposed to image editing program.  By
that I mean you make lines, circles, rectangles, text blocks, etc... as
opposed to making selections and changing the color of pixels (what GIMP
does).

2) Because it is a vector editing program, you can scale it to any size
without pixelation of the image.  You can also export the page, or any part
of it to any resolution that you want (see File:Export Bitmap in Inkscape)

3) Also because Inkscape is a markup language (it uses SVG)  it has many
similarities to HTML.  In addition svg is slowily becoming supported by
browsers (chromium does mostly, firefox a bit -  its quickly coming about.)


Anyway, check out inkscape.  I will also be trying to document my process
(beyond just inkscape) at the very least for the current wiki, and hopefully
for the various 'tasks' that we'll highlighting.

-- Benjamin
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Benjamin Turner]

I updated the revamp wiki to include a fictionalized "target audience" - his
name is James!  I do this profile creation a lot when I'm working on a
project -- kind of puts a face to who I'm trying to design for.  Anyway, I
tried to create a person that we want to be using Ubuntu Studio (even though
he isn't the only one, he is the 'main' one)  Have a look, and see if it's
kind of who everyone imagines our target user to be.

Also, I made some updates to the Audio Horizons theme:

Keeping James' needs in mind, I tried to simplify things down, and make it
easy to a) find out why Ubuntu studio is right for him and b) once he tries
it, how he can get various tasks done.

So in reference to a) the main page is almost entirely devoted to What
Ubuntu Studio *is* and how it can help *you*.

As for b) I tried to make it easy to navigate lots of information.  The main
categories are accessed from the top 'main nav' while secondary navigation
changes on the left with each 'category' selection.  Specifically for the
Support section, I envision a brief blurb for the major programs included,
(Why is it that Jack is the first thing you start for everything audio?)
with links to additional help.  Additionally there would be a 'Task' section
that would outline the workflows and tools needed to get a task done.

So yeah, let me know what you think!

-- Benjamin
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Chris Jones]

> However, I would like to get back to the question of decision making
> for this process.  It would be helpful for me, and probably others, to
> know exactly what approach Scott plans to take for making the ultimate
> decision here, and in what time frame.

This is what I keep saying. Scott, I'm sorry mate but you or someone
needs a kick up the ass to get this redevelopment moving.

I mean, really, how long can we talk about mock-ups etc. We need to get
moving on this.


Regards

Chris Jones




-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

On Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 2:48 PM, Scott Lavender wrote:

>
>
> On Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 6:16 PM, Benjamin Turner <
> passionsplaydes...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Thinking further on it I have two requests.
>
> Can you try to use some of the "official" colors?  Perhaps use the first
> blue from this page?
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/Artwork/DIYConcept#Color%20Palette
>
> Also, would it be possible to make a dark theme?  At least as an alternate?
>
> Thank you again for the work you have done!
>
> ScottL
>
>
I'm not sure if this is directed at Benjamin or me, or perhaps both.
Regardless, I could apply either suggestion to my design.

However, I would like to get back to the question of decision making for
this process.  It would be helpful for me, and probably others, to know
exactly what approach Scott plans to take for making the ultimate decision
here, and in what time frame.  I'm okay with whatever is decided, I just
don't want to spend too much more time on these mock-ups before I know with
more certainty if I'll be working on this project, and in what capacity.  It
would be frustrating to come up with something really polished, only to have
it decided that we'll be moving in a different direction. :)

-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

On Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 6:29 PM, Benjamin Turner <
passionsplaydes...@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Brian
>
> I'm liking the structural elements, specifically how the logo is front and
> center, anchoring the whole page.
>
> One thing that feels just a bit off to me is that the colors are all so
> close to each other on the color wheel - blues to purple, with a bunch of
> white. I wonder what would happen if you incorporated just a touch of
> yellow, maybe orange, to add some contrast.
>
> - Benjamin
>
>
Yeah, I'm kind of a sucker for monochromatic color schemes.  I don't know if
I'd want to throw in any yellows, but I can try it with the Ubuntu Studio
color palette that Scott suggested.


-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Scott Lavender]

On Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 6:16 PM, Benjamin Turner <
passionsplaydes...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I just wanted to let people know I posted some changes to the website
> revamp wiki to include mockups for the homepage and secondary pages.  I'm
> working under the theme name 'Audio Horizons' with two .pngs following the
> borderlands theme.  Thanks for any feedback!
>
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp
>
> -- Benjamin
>
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>

Thinking further on it I have two requests.

Can you try to use some of the "official" colors?  Perhaps use the first
blue from this page?
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/Artwork/DIYConcept#Color%20Palette

Also, would it be possible to make a dark theme?  At least as an alternate?

Thank you again for the work you have done!

ScottL
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Louie Queral]

this is kind of random, but who has all of the ftp info? does scott?

On Sun, Oct 10, 2010 at 7:29 PM, Benjamin Turner <
passionsplaydes...@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> On Fri, Oct 8, 2010 at 9:59 PM, Brian David  wrote:
>
>> Alright, here's my next go at it:
>>
>> http://www.sunmachine.coop/ubuntu/mock-up_simple_2.png
>>
>> I tried to add a little of all the designs we've seen so far.  Think of
>> this as the landing page, with the main site looking more along the lines of
>> Scott's mock-up, except with a matching palette.  Also, I decided to move
>> away from the darker colors, just to see what it was like.  All the links
>> and examples are basically placeholders, and can be replaced by whatever.
>>
>> Let me know what you think.
>>
>> --
>> -Brian David
>>
>> --
>> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
>> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
>> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
>> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>>
>>
> Brian
>
> I'm liking the structural elements, specifically how the logo is front and
> center, anchoring the whole page.
>
> One thing that feels just a bit off to me is that the colors are all so
> close to each other on the color wheel - blues to purple, with a bunch of
> white. I wonder what would happen if you incorporated just a touch of
> yellow, maybe orange, to add some contrast.
>
> - Benjamin
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Benjamin Turner]

On Fri, Oct 8, 2010 at 9:59 PM, Brian David  wrote:

> Alright, here's my next go at it:
>
> http://www.sunmachine.coop/ubuntu/mock-up_simple_2.png
>
> I tried to add a little of all the designs we've seen so far.  Think of
> this as the landing page, with the main site looking more along the lines of
> Scott's mock-up, except with a matching palette.  Also, I decided to move
> away from the darker colors, just to see what it was like.  All the links
> and examples are basically placeholders, and can be replaced by whatever.
>
> Let me know what you think.
>
> --
> -Brian David
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>
Brian

I'm liking the structural elements, specifically how the logo is front and
center, anchoring the whole page.

One thing that feels just a bit off to me is that the colors are all so
close to each other on the color wheel - blues to purple, with a bunch of
white. I wonder what would happen if you incorporated just a touch of
yellow, maybe orange, to add some contrast.

- Benjamin
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Benjamin Turner]

Hello all,

I just wanted to let people know I posted some changes to the website revamp
wiki to include mockups for the homepage and secondary pages.  I'm working
under the theme name 'Audio Horizons' with two .pngs following the
borderlands theme.  Thanks for any feedback!

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp

-- Benjamin
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Chris Jones]

On Fri, 2010-10-08 at 23:59 -0500, Brian David wrote:
> Alright, here's my next go at it:
> 
> http://www.sunmachine.coop/ubuntu/mock-up_simple_2.png
> 
> I tried to add a little of all the designs we've seen so far.  Think
> of this as the landing page, with the main site looking more along the
> lines of Scott's mock-up, except with a matching palette.  Also, I
> decided to move away from the darker colors, just to see what it was
> like.  All the links and examples are basically placeholders, and can
> be replaced by whatever.
> 
> Let me know what you think.
> 
> -- 
> -Brian David

Nice David. This has been the best design and layout so far. As Scott
encourages, this should be a model to lean towards, for sure.

I think the three icon windows at the bottom should be different from
what you currently have displayed here in the mock-up. Also some text
would need some working at.
But as a model, you get my vote!

I think Scott needs to make a final decision here as to where to go from
here.

Regards

Chris Jones


-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

Alright, here's my next go at it:

http://www.sunmachine.coop/ubuntu/mock-up_simple_2.png

I tried to add a little of all the designs we've seen so far.  Think of this
as the landing page, with the main site looking more along the lines of
Scott's mock-up, except with a matching palette.  Also, I decided to move
away from the darker colors, just to see what it was like.  All the links
and examples are basically placeholders, and can be replaced by whatever.

Let me know what you think.

-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Scott Lavender]

On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 3:42 PM, Benjamin Turner <
passionsplaydes...@gmail.com> wrote:

> In response to Scott's original mockup:
> http://www.fossmusicproject.org/public/images/website-mockup-3.png
>
> Good work Scott!
>
> So, starting with what works:
>
> 1) I like that things have been moved up the page.  The old site was
> pretty, but simple, with specific information at least a scroll's length
> down the page.
>
> 2) Navigation wise, I would say that someone that lands here has the
> potential of getting their bearings quickly.  The global nav is
> easily accessible in the upper right, along with lower level categories on
> the left being easily skimmed by the eye without having to 'move' the page.
>
>
> 3) On the old site the blog entries were pretty small, closer to tweets --
> "Look a new release!"  With this mockup, the space is tuned more to those
> types of posts.  Someone can easily take in the most recent information,
> again without 'moving the page.'
>
>
> As for what it can do better:
>
> 1) I don't really like the social media icons.  They seem to clutter up
> that valuable 'upper right' real estate.  I would question how much use they
> will get.  However, if we do decide that they belong, then I think the icons
> themselves need to be desaturated.  These current colors are good for THEIR
> respective brands, but totally destroy our color scheme, and our brand.
>  Perhaps gray/black social media icons, that regain their color with a mouse
> hover?
>
> 2) I would tend to agree with others that the mock-up feels busy.  I think
> that the majority of this has to do with the font settings, and to a lesser
> extent, certain page elements not lining up. (I'll post something later
> showing what I mean)
>
> I would submit that much 'breathing room' could be created by using a
> tighter editorial writing style coupled with a larger line height, and
> greater margins/padding.
>
> A quick example - within the 'what is ubuntu' section:
>
> "Watch the YouTube video for a quick explanation of what Ubuntu Studio
> offers or look at the feature walkthrough for a more in depth exploration of
> the features available in Ubuntu Studio."
>
> This feels wordy, and could possibly be removed or rewritten to something
> more succinct:
>
> "Explore what Ubuntu Studio can do for you"
>
>  ** A link to the walk-though would be included.  As for the youtube video,
> having that video right there with the 'play' button ready to go, is more
> than enough prompting for most people.
>
> Summary :  All in all I think this shows some merit, with more work needed
> on the actual wording, along with spacing the text correctly, and
> better alignment of the various page elements.
>
> I'll throw in a little design time this weekend, once I get a hold
> on Scott's svg.  Good work guys!
>
> -- Benjamin
>
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>
First I would like to point out that my mock-up is just a suggestion.  This
isn't necessarily the direction we have to go.  If someone has something
they want to share then please do so.  Or if someone has something they have
been working on, then please post a screen shot as well.

Secondly I would like to agree with many of the assessments.  My inspiration
was originally very simple, almost elegant, and my mock-up grew way to
busy.  As to the font size or syntax, I fear that I lack the experience as a
website designer to make something elegant.

My feelings toward what audience the website should be focused is probably a
person unfamiliar with Ubuntu Studio.  Someone who has heard about it
perhaps but doesn't really understand it yet, or did a Google search for
"free audio distribution".  I expect some experienced people will attend the
site as well, but probably will already know where to find answers or
tutorials or help directly without the website and therefore need it less.
So I feel the audience are to be musicians, new to Ubuntu Studio who wish to
learn about it so they can use it, and the website's "voice" would be
"learn".

Lastly, here is my .svg file:
http://www.fossmusicproject.org/public/images/website-mockup-3.svg

ScottL
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Benjamin Turner]

In response to Scott's original mockup:
http://www.fossmusicproject.org/public/images/website-mockup-3.png

Good work Scott!

So, starting with what works:

1) I like that things have been moved up the page.  The old site was pretty,
but simple, with specific information at least a scroll's length down the
page.

2) Navigation wise, I would say that someone that lands here has the
potential of getting their bearings quickly.  The global nav is
easily accessible in the upper right, along with lower level categories on
the left being easily skimmed by the eye without having to 'move' the page.


3) On the old site the blog entries were pretty small, closer to tweets --
"Look a new release!"  With this mockup, the space is tuned more to those
types of posts.  Someone can easily take in the most recent information,
again without 'moving the page.'


As for what it can do better:

1) I don't really like the social media icons.  They seem to clutter up that
valuable 'upper right' real estate.  I would question how much use they will
get.  However, if we do decide that they belong, then I think the icons
themselves need to be desaturated.  These current colors are good for THEIR
respective brands, but totally destroy our color scheme, and our brand.
 Perhaps gray/black social media icons, that regain their color with a mouse
hover?

2) I would tend to agree with others that the mock-up feels busy.  I think
that the majority of this has to do with the font settings, and to a lesser
extent, certain page elements not lining up. (I'll post something later
showing what I mean)

I would submit that much 'breathing room' could be created by using a
tighter editorial writing style coupled with a larger line height, and
greater margins/padding.

A quick example - within the 'what is ubuntu' section:

"Watch the YouTube video for a quick explanation of what Ubuntu Studio
offers or look at the feature walkthrough for a more in depth exploration of
the features available in Ubuntu Studio."

This feels wordy, and could possibly be removed or rewritten to something
more succinct:

"Explore what Ubuntu Studio can do for you"

 ** A link to the walk-though would be included.  As for the youtube video,
having that video right there with the 'play' button ready to go, is more
than enough prompting for most people.

Summary :  All in all I think this shows some merit, with more work needed
on the actual wording, along with spacing the text correctly, and
better alignment of the various page elements.

I'll throw in a little design time this weekend, once I get a hold
on Scott's svg.  Good work guys!

-- Benjamin
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Scott Lavender]

On Mon, Oct 4, 2010 at 1:52 PM, Brian David  wrote:

> On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 5:07 PM, Scott Lavender 
> wrote:
>
>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2010 at 7:08 PM, Benjamin Turner <
>> passionsplaydes...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> I hope to address some of the questions in this email later this week.
>>
>> Properly identifying the audience and the purpose of the website is
>> critical in order to make the website useful.  I have given it quite a bit
>> of thought but haven't really devoted time to fleshing it out and writing it
>> down.
>>
>> However, in that fashion I have been working on this mock-up for the past
>> two weeks while exploring audience and purpose:
>> http://www.fossmusicproject.org/public/images/website-mockup-3.png
>>
>> I trust that most people will find this mock-up far superior to my last
>> one ;)
>>
>> Comments are encouraged and welcomed (even ones that say it sucks).
>>
>> ScottL
>>
>>
> I'm liking the general direction this is headed.  I would say that it looks
> a little busy.  Also, I think using "Linux for Creative Humans" is better
> than "Set Your Creativity Free".  I also don't care for the "Experience. .
> ." added to the Ubuntu Logo.  Those are the initial thoughts that come to
> mind.
>

Yes, I agree.  I had inspiration for that page and when I reflected on my
efforts I realized that I had lost the simplicity that I admire from that
example.  The first version was much closer and by the third (which is the
latest linked) it had lost it's "voice".

LOL.  Some have expressed that they really liked the "Experience" bit :)

So many differing opinions. :P



>
> Also, were you thinking there would be a gateway page, or would this be the
> page people see immediately upon going to ubuntustudio.com?
>

It's funny you mention this as I had talked yesterday in the IRC channel
(#ubuntustudio-devel) about possibly moving the "What is Ubuntu Studio" part
of that page to a "landing page".  Which would essentially be a gateway
page.

Again, this has been met with differing opinions.  ;)


>
> Would you be able to send a link for the .svg?  I'd like to try combining
> some of your ideas with the things I've been working on, and see what that
> might look like.
>

Absolutely,  I will do it tonight.

I had meant to last night.


>
> --
> -Brian David
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Jussi Schultink]

Hi Takashi,

On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 7:25 AM, Takashi Sakamoto
 wrote:
> Hi Scott,
>
> In this kind of work, the screenshot is more powerful to give our
> opinion than some comments. Would you please look at the screenshot I
> attached?
Ive let your message through this time, but in future, please link to
screenshots or pictures, not attach them. For other guidelines for
mailing lists, please see:
http://www.ubuntu.com/support/community/mailinglists

Jussi.
>
> 0.scott_grid_analyze.png
> I think this mocup has much information in a first browser screen and a
> bit difficult to get the informations to need.
>
> Then I re-align some components which you made and put some shots from
> current ubuntustudio.com.
>
> https://wiki.ubuntulinux.jp/Mocchi?action=AttachFile&do=view&target=1.takashi_modified.png
>
> I change the logo to Cory K.'s Ideas because I want to put the COF
> circle's color as key color.
>
> This is the Grid-Analyzxe.
>
> https://wiki.ubuntulinux.jp/Mocchi?action=AttachFile&do=view&target=2.takashi_grid_analyze.png
>
> I put some basic and most needed information in the top. And I put much
> text information to bottom. This layout will be good for several kind of
> users, both newcomer and elder.
>
> What I mean is not pushing my design but I prefer your mocup to current
> ubuntustudio.com design. It's simple and easy to wathch. But there is
> not so many information...
>
> If you need my help and work, I have some time to help you till this
> weekend. I can uunderstand and use the W3C's specification for (X)HTML,
> CSS 2.0, JavaScript(ECMA Script), PHP 4 and 5. I'm willing to help you
> with drupal if we share the basic source like MySQL data or theme
> templates and so on. It'S a pretty sad that I usually use the other engines.
>
>
> Cheers!
>
> Takashi Sakamoto
> o-taka...@sakamocchi.jp
>
>
> (2010年10月04日 07:07), Scott Lavender wrote:
>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2010 at 7:08 PM, Benjamin Turner
>> mailto:passionsplaydes...@gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>     I would second not throwing out any concepts right off the bat.  I
>>     think though that perhaps we should redirect where this thread is
>>     going.  Before we get down to eliminating or zeroing in on any
>>     'theme' we should really take a hard look as to how we want this
>>     website to function for the Ubuntu Studio community.
>>
>>     I'd like to try and summarize some things:
>>
>>     The current site at ubuntustudio.org  is a
>>     brochure site - it is very simple, and establishes a sort of
>>     creative vibe- all the while smacking you in the face with DOWNLOAD
>>     -- 1 2 3! This is exactly what we (traditionally) want the visitor
>>     to do - try THIS distro.
>>
>>     I took some time to whip up sitemap for the existing site, and also
>>     one for the eventual 'revamped' one, using the elements that we have
>>     going on the wiki.  In addition, I worked a wireframe over a
>>     screenshot of the original site.
>>
>>     What becomes apparent to me while looking over these site maps is
>>     that people are brainstorming for a much more dynamic (and
>>     complicated) website, one that begins to blur the lines between the
>>     wiki, the forums, and the website, perhaps taking on aspects of a
>>     social networking site (I'm thinking specifically about the
>>     submissions, polls, and other things that would require someone to
>>     create a profile).
>>
>>
>>     But do we have the energy/time/skill?
>>
>>     I think that many of these things sound cool.  I would ask ourselves
>>     if we (and future users/contributors) will have the energy to create
>>     and maintain one MORE online persona.  Maybe, maybe not.  Perhaps
>>     this 'social connection' role could be filled by other existing
>>     sites?  I'm thinking about the deviantART and Flikr user groups for
>>     inkscape.  Are there other sites out there that could facilitate the
>>     creation of Music Creation Communities?  To put it another way, do
>>     we have people here wanting to code and maintain that sort of
>>     community in relation to the Ubuntu Studio Website?
>>
>>
>>     Where are we going?
>>
>>     In the end I feel we should more clearly describe where Ubuntu
>>     Studio is moving, and how we envision using it, and by extension,
>>     how we will use the website.
>>
>>     For me I first came to Ubuntu Studio because it was built on the
>>     back of Ubuntu's Gnome install, but with an eye to a more
>>     specialized and 'professional' grade of computer user.  This being
>>     said, there are still a few other applications I install that are
>>     not included in the base installation (Who doesn't?)  I can see the
>>     Ubuntu Studio project becoming a nexus of creative energy.  Taking
>>     the best things out there, and making them work well together, all
>>     the while documenting the processes, and making it easy for new
>>     users (both to Linux, AND to art creation)  to create hi

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Chris Jones]

> 
> However, in that fashion I have been working on this mock-up for the
> past two weeks while exploring audience and purpose:
> http://www.fossmusicproject.org/public/images/website-mockup-3.png
> 
> I trust that most people will find this mock-up far superior to my
> last one ;)
> 
> Comments are encouraged and welcomed (even ones that say it sucks).
> 

It's too busy Scott. I look at that and genuinely feel overwhelmed. And
any potential Ubuntu Studio users will feel the same.
There is simply too much information and too much text.
Heck, I don't even like the layout!
It has to be made and kept simple and only the basics and necessary of
information be made available on the front page.

Also of note, obviously this is your decision, but does Ubuntu Studio
really have to go down the whole Facebook/Twitter icon thing?
And if you do, I'd recommend those kind of icons be kept smaller than
what you have displayed here and moved down to the bottom somewhere.

Cheers


-- 
Chris Jones

PHOTO RESOLUTIONS - Photo - Graphic - Web
ABN: 98 317 740 240
E: chrisjo...@comcen.com.au
W: http://photoresolutions.freehostia.com


-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 5:07 PM, Scott Lavender wrote:

> On Tue, Sep 21, 2010 at 7:08 PM, Benjamin Turner <
> passionsplaydes...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I hope to address some of the questions in this email later this week.
>
> Properly identifying the audience and the purpose of the website is
> critical in order to make the website useful.  I have given it quite a bit
> of thought but haven't really devoted time to fleshing it out and writing it
> down.
>
> However, in that fashion I have been working on this mock-up for the past
> two weeks while exploring audience and purpose:
> http://www.fossmusicproject.org/public/images/website-mockup-3.png
>
> I trust that most people will find this mock-up far superior to my last one
> ;)
>
> Comments are encouraged and welcomed (even ones that say it sucks).
>
> ScottL
>
>
I'm liking the general direction this is headed.  I would say that it looks
a little busy.  Also, I think using "Linux for Creative Humans" is better
than "Set Your Creativity Free".  I also don't care for the "Experience. .
." added to the Ubuntu Logo.  Those are the initial thoughts that come to
mind.

Also, were you thinking there would be a gateway page, or would this be the
page people see immediately upon going to ubuntustudio.com?

Would you be able to send a link for the .svg?  I'd like to try combining
some of your ideas with the things I've been working on, and see what that
might look like.

-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Scott Lavender]

On Tue, Sep 21, 2010 at 7:08 PM, Benjamin Turner <
passionsplaydes...@gmail.com> wrote:

>
> I would second not throwing out any concepts right off the bat.  I think
> though that perhaps we should redirect where this thread is going.  Before
> we get down to eliminating or zeroing in on any 'theme' we should really
> take a hard look as to how we want this website to function for the Ubuntu
> Studio community.
>
> I'd like to try and summarize some things:
>
> The current site at ubuntustudio.org is a brochure site - it is very
> simple, and establishes a sort of creative vibe- all the while smacking you
> in the face with DOWNLOAD -- 1 2 3! This is exactly what we (traditionally)
> want the visitor to do - try THIS distro.
>
> I took some time to whip up sitemap for the existing site, and also one for
> the eventual 'revamped' one, using the elements that we have going on the
> wiki.  In addition, I worked a wireframe over a screenshot of the original
> site.
>
> What becomes apparent to me while looking over these site maps is that
> people are brainstorming for a much more dynamic (and complicated) website,
> one that begins to blur the lines between the wiki, the forums, and the
> website, perhaps taking on aspects of a social networking site (I'm thinking
> specifically about the submissions, polls, and other things that would
> require someone to create a profile).
>
>
> But do we have the energy/time/skill?
>
> I think that many of these things sound cool.  I would ask ourselves if we
> (and future users/contributors) will have the energy to create and maintain
> one MORE online persona.  Maybe, maybe not.  Perhaps this 'social
> connection' role could be filled by other existing sites?  I'm thinking
> about the deviantART and Flikr user groups for inkscape.  Are there other
> sites out there that could facilitate the creation of Music Creation
> Communities?  To put it another way, do we have people here wanting to code
> and maintain that sort of community in relation to the Ubuntu Studio
> Website?
>
>
> Where are we going?
>
> In the end I feel we should more clearly describe where Ubuntu Studio is
> moving, and how we envision using it, and by extension, how we will use the
> website.
>
> For me I first came to Ubuntu Studio because it was built on the back of
> Ubuntu's Gnome install, but with an eye to a more specialized and
> 'professional' grade of computer user.  This being said, there are still a
> few other applications I install that are not included in the base
> installation (Who doesn't?)  I can see the Ubuntu Studio project becoming a
> nexus of creative energy.  Taking the best things out there, and making them
> work well together, all the while documenting the processes, and making it
> easy for new users (both to Linux, AND to art creation)  to create high
> quality digital art creations.
>
> Let me know if this resonates with anyone.  Where do others see our goals
> being?
>
> -- Benjamin
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>

I hope to address some of the questions in this email later this week.

Properly identifying the audience and the purpose of the website is critical
in order to make the website useful.  I have given it quite a bit of thought
but haven't really devoted time to fleshing it out and writing it down.

However, in that fashion I have been working on this mock-up for the past
two weeks while exploring audience and purpose:
http://www.fossmusicproject.org/public/images/website-mockup-3.png

I trust that most people will find this mock-up far superior to my last one
;)

Comments are encouraged and welcomed (even ones that say it sucks).

ScottL
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Benjamin Turner]

>
>
>> * DIY theme *
>> Rather than deny an artistic concept with a blanket statement I would
>> suggest that we value any examples by their merits individually.  I would
>> imagine that some DIY concepts might present themselves as unprofessional,
>> while others would extend themselves as hip or cool (LOL...does that make me
>> old to say that?)
>>
>> If someone has an mock-up then I would love to see it and evaluate it's
>> merits.
>>
>>
>>
I would second not throwing out any concepts right off the bat.  I think
though that perhaps we should redirect where this thread is going.  Before
we get down to eliminating or zeroing in on any 'theme' we should really
take a hard look as to how we want this website to function for the Ubuntu
Studio community.

I'd like to try and summarize some things:

The current site at ubuntustudio.org is a brochure site - it is very simple,
and establishes a sort of creative vibe- all the while smacking you in the
face with DOWNLOAD -- 1 2 3! This is exactly what we (traditionally) want
the visitor to do - try THIS distro.

I took some time to whip up sitemap for the existing site, and also one for
the eventual 'revamped' one, using the elements that we have going on the
wiki.  In addition, I worked a wireframe over a screenshot of the original
site.

What becomes apparent to me while looking over these site maps is that
people are brainstorming for a much more dynamic (and complicated) website,
one that begins to blur the lines between the wiki, the forums, and the
website, perhaps taking on aspects of a social networking site (I'm thinking
specifically about the submissions, polls, and other things that would
require someone to create a profile).


But do we have the energy/time/skill?

I think that many of these things sound cool.  I would ask ourselves if we
(and future users/contributors) will have the energy to create and maintain
one MORE online persona.  Maybe, maybe not.  Perhaps this 'social
connection' role could be filled by other existing sites?  I'm thinking
about the deviantART and Flikr user groups for inkscape.  Are there other
sites out there that could facilitate the creation of Music Creation
Communities?  To put it another way, do we have people here wanting to code
and maintain that sort of community in relation to the Ubuntu Studio
Website?


Where are we going?

In the end I feel we should more clearly describe where Ubuntu Studio is
moving, and how we envision using it, and by extension, how we will use the
website.

For me I first came to Ubuntu Studio because it was built on the back of
Ubuntu's Gnome install, but with an eye to a more specialized and
'professional' grade of computer user.  This being said, there are still a
few other applications I install that are not included in the base
installation (Who doesn't?)  I can see the Ubuntu Studio project becoming a
nexus of creative energy.  Taking the best things out there, and making them
work well together, all the while documenting the processes, and making it
easy for new users (both to Linux, AND to art creation)  to create high
quality digital art creations.

Let me know if this resonates with anyone.  Where do others see our goals
being?

-- Benjamin
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

On Mon, Sep 20, 2010 at 12:39 PM, Scott Lavender
wrote:

>
> Brian,
>
> * comic book sketch *
> Your sketch is pretty cool.  I like it.  This is something that could be be
> used for a GDM background or desktop wallpaper when completed.
>
> Personally, I would favour using user derived art and graphics (even music)
> in a default Ubuntu Studio installation as long as it flowed well with the
> accepted theme and art concept.
>
> * DIY theme *
> Rather than deny an artistic concept with a blanket statement I would
> suggest that we value any examples by their merits individually.  I would
> imagine that some DIY concepts might present themselves as unprofessional,
> while others would extend themselves as hip or cool (LOL...does that make me
> old to say that?)
>
> If someone has an mock-up then I would love to see it and evaluate it's
> merits.
>
> * website wireframe *
> I think it's awesome that you attached the image to the website revamp wiki
> page:
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp#Original%20vs%20Planned%20Site
> :
>
> I would not feel compelled to follow the same layout as before, rather I
> would encourage you to use a different layout.  A few of points about
> possible layouts I would like to make as well:
>  * minimize the branding height (even so much that only the top of the
> letters for "Ubuntu Studio" is visible perhaps)
>  * use 2 columns (as a minimum)
>  * put download button (maybe "help" and "features walkthrough" too) inside
> branding area
>  * keep as much above the red line as possible
>
> I downloaded the .svg file and have been playing with it.  I hope to have
> something in the coming days.
>
> I also note that the background image does not appear on my computer
> because it was a linked image.  Not that it really matters since I'll be
> moving everything around anyways :P
>
>
> Thanks again, Brain, for you involvement and initiative.
>
> ScottL
>

Just a quick note, I wasn't the person who put the wireframe up on the Wiki.

-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Scott Lavender]

On Sat, Sep 18, 2010 at 10:56 PM, Brian David  wrote:

> On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 12:18 PM, Louie Queral wrote:
>
>> Scott: If we made everything the DIY look, I think it would become too
>> cluttered and gimmicky. I think it should be clean and clear. I'm a
>> musician, and I look at US like a desk: I would rather have my desk be a
>> solid color, with no blemishes to help me think and finish my project. If my
>> desk was cluttered and "grungy" looking, I think it would be very counter
>> productive.
>>
>> Mike: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/Artwork/DIYConcept
>>
>> On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 1:08 PM, Scott Lavender > > wrote:
>>
>>> On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 11:18 AM, Louie Queral 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 This is off-topic, but still, in my mind, a relatively important point.

 I really don't like the DIY theme for either the OS as a whole or US's
 website. I think that it makes it look a bit too unprofessional and it may
 detract people from using US.

 Would anyone agree?


>>> Are you saying what we currently have is unprofessional or if we changed
>>> everything to a DIY theme it would be unprofessional?
>>>
>>>
> I actually got a job pretty quick and started last Monday, so I don't have
> the free time I expected.  Still, I've got something to show you all.
> Here's a sketch I did of what I think of when I refer to 'comic book' style,
> as opposed to the cell-shaded Borderlands look seen on the Wiki:
>
> http://www.sunmachine.coop/ubuntu/sketch_01_thumb.png
>
> The logo is based off Cory's, though it is still using my font imitation,
> so the 'o' is different.  Imagine this properly inked and colored, and you
> get the idea.  This particular image would probably be more useful for a
> Plymouth splash or GTK theme as opposed to website imagery, but I think it
> gets the point across.
>
> Also, I don't think the DIY idea needs to look cluttered or gimmicky.  Take
> a look at the graphic in the upper left of Mozilla's site:
>
> http://www.mozilla.org/
>
> That conveys a DIY feel, with the paint strokes, but still looks simple and
> slick.
>
> I'll try to come up with a mock-up of the more simple, shiny slick button
> theme in a few days.
>
> Let me know what you all think.
>
> --
> -Brian David
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>

Brian,

* comic book sketch *
Your sketch is pretty cool.  I like it.  This is something that could be be
used for a GDM background or desktop wallpaper when completed.

Personally, I would favour using user derived art and graphics (even music)
in a default Ubuntu Studio installation as long as it flowed well with the
accepted theme and art concept.

* DIY theme *
Rather than deny an artistic concept with a blanket statement I would
suggest that we value any examples by their merits individually.  I would
imagine that some DIY concepts might present themselves as unprofessional,
while others would extend themselves as hip or cool (LOL...does that make me
old to say that?)

If someone has an mock-up then I would love to see it and evaluate it's
merits.

* website wireframe *
I think it's awesome that you attached the image to the website revamp wiki
page:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp#Original%20vs%20Planned%20Site
:

I would not feel compelled to follow the same layout as before, rather I
would encourage you to use a different layout.  A few of points about
possible layouts I would like to make as well:
 * minimize the branding height (even so much that only the top of the
letters for "Ubuntu Studio" is visible perhaps)
 * use 2 columns (as a minimum)
 * put download button (maybe "help" and "features walkthrough" too) inside
branding area
 * keep as much above the red line as possible

I downloaded the .svg file and have been playing with it.  I hope to have
something in the coming days.

I also note that the background image does not appear on my computer because
it was a linked image.  Not that it really matters since I'll be moving
everything around anyways :P


Thanks again, Brain, for you involvement and initiative.

ScottL
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 12:18 PM, Louie Queral wrote:

> Scott: If we made everything the DIY look, I think it would become too
> cluttered and gimmicky. I think it should be clean and clear. I'm a
> musician, and I look at US like a desk: I would rather have my desk be a
> solid color, with no blemishes to help me think and finish my project. If my
> desk was cluttered and "grungy" looking, I think it would be very counter
> productive.
>
> Mike: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/Artwork/DIYConcept
>
> On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 1:08 PM, Scott Lavender 
> wrote:
>
>> On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 11:18 AM, Louie Queral 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> This is off-topic, but still, in my mind, a relatively important point.
>>>
>>> I really don't like the DIY theme for either the OS as a whole or US's
>>> website. I think that it makes it look a bit too unprofessional and it may
>>> detract people from using US.
>>>
>>> Would anyone agree?
>>>
>>>
>> Are you saying what we currently have is unprofessional or if we changed
>> everything to a DIY theme it would be unprofessional?
>>
>>
I actually got a job pretty quick and started last Monday, so I don't have
the free time I expected.  Still, I've got something to show you all.
Here's a sketch I did of what I think of when I refer to 'comic book' style,
as opposed to the cell-shaded Borderlands look seen on the Wiki:

http://www.sunmachine.coop/ubuntu/sketch_01_thumb.png

The logo is based off Cory's, though it is still using my font imitation, so
the 'o' is different.  Imagine this properly inked and colored, and you get
the idea.  This particular image would probably be more useful for a
Plymouth splash or GTK theme as opposed to website imagery, but I think it
gets the point across.

Also, I don't think the DIY idea needs to look cluttered or gimmicky.  Take
a look at the graphic in the upper left of Mozilla's site:

http://www.mozilla.org/

That conveys a DIY feel, with the paint strokes, but still looks simple and
slick.

I'll try to come up with a mock-up of the more simple, shiny slick button
theme in a few days.

Let me know what you all think.

-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Louie Queral]

Scott: If we made everything the DIY look, I think it would become too
cluttered and gimmicky. I think it should be clean and clear. I'm a
musician, and I look at US like a desk: I would rather have my desk be a
solid color, with no blemishes to help me think and finish my project. If my
desk was cluttered and "grungy" looking, I think it would be very counter
productive.

Mike: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/Artwork/DIYConcept

On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 1:08 PM, Scott Lavender wrote:

> On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 11:18 AM, Louie Queral wrote:
>
>> This is off-topic, but still, in my mind, a relatively important point.
>>
>> I really don't like the DIY theme for either the OS as a whole or US's
>> website. I think that it makes it look a bit too unprofessional and it may
>> detract people from using US.
>>
>> Would anyone agree?
>>
>>
> Are you saying what we currently have is unprofessional or if we changed
> everything to a DIY theme it would be unprofessional?
>
>
>
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Scott Lavender]

On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 11:18 AM, Louie Queral wrote:

> This is off-topic, but still, in my mind, a relatively important point.
>
> I really don't like the DIY theme for either the OS as a whole or US's
> website. I think that it makes it look a bit too unprofessional and it may
> detract people from using US.
>
> Would anyone agree?
>
>
Are you saying what we currently have is unprofessional or if we changed
everything to a DIY theme it would be unprofessional?
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Mike Holstein]

what is the 'do it yourself' theme? the current graphics and theming?  i
quite like the theme of the desktop... when i first saw it, i thought it was
the slickest thing since the fedora DNA theme... i like the website too.. i
suppose both of these are arguably out-dated, hence the discussion... what
about either of these would detract you ?? (the current ones)... i think we
can learn a lot by constructively discussing what we do and dont like about
the current graphics... i have always really liked the darkness of the
desktop theme, but sometimes i find a window here or there that the theme
makes difficult to see or use...

i thought this was interesting...
http://www.techdrivein.com/2010/08/ubuntu-studio-sound-theme-is-old-but.html


On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 12:18 PM, Louie Queral wrote:

> This is off-topic, but still, in my mind, a relatively important point.
>
> I really don't like the DIY theme for either the OS as a whole or US's
> website. I think that it makes it look a bit too unprofessional and it may
> detract people from using US.
>
> Would anyone agree?
>
>
> On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 1:07 AM, Brian David  wrote:
>
>> On Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 8:09 PM, Scott Lavender > > wrote:
>>
>>> On Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 5:00 AM, Cory K.  wrote:
>>>
 What *needs* to be settled 1st before *anything* should be put together
 is: Audience - Who we're talking to.

 It's a major first step from which everything is built.

 If Scott hasn't already done it, he should start a wiki page outlining
 our audiance and new direction. Aesthetic/stylistic guidelines can be
 developed from there. This needs to be managed by him as he's the
 current lead.

 Also, doing anything for 10.10 should be abandoned. It's just too late
 in the cycle and rushing things now will show in the final product. A
 good concerted effort for Natty is best IMO.


 -Cory K.


>>> Okay, I've updated the website revamp website to include an area for
>>> audience and themes:
>>> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp
>>>
>>> Please update the website with more examples or further thoughts as
>>> appropriate.
>>>
>>> Thank you,
>>> ScottL
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
>>> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
>>> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
>>> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>>>
>>>
>> So, about this 'target audience' thing:
>>
>> I don't know if we want to make 'familiarity with Linux' a main
>> attribute.  Sure, anyone who wants to use UbuStu will need to learn Linux,
>> but we shouldn't assume any initial knowledge.  Let's not forget that this
>> is Ubuntu, a distro that has branded itself as the most easy-to-use.  We are
>> looking to bring people into the fold who perhaps have always wanted to try
>> Linux, but were too intimidated by the learning curve.  These people might
>> be interested because:
>>
>> -They support community-developed projects, and align with the ideals of
>> things like GPL, Creative Commons, etc.
>> -Are unhappy with the state of 'industry standard' software
>>
>> Now, I do agree that the target audience should already have some kind of
>> proficiency in their field, whether it is music or graphics.  These people
>> will want professional, alternative software, but they won't want to spend a
>> lot of down time converting.  Therefore, Ubuntu Studio should do what it can
>> to work out-of-the-box, and for those things which the user absolutely must
>> fix themselves, then there should be plenty of easily available
>> documentation/tutorials to help them through.
>>
>> Just my thoughts.
>> --
>> -Brian David
>>
>> --
>> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
>> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
>> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
>> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>>
>>
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>


-- 
MH
http://www.myspace.com/mikeholstein

http://opensourcemusician.libsyn.com/
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Louie Queral]

This is off-topic, but still, in my mind, a relatively important point.

I really don't like the DIY theme for either the OS as a whole or US's
website. I think that it makes it look a bit too unprofessional and it may
detract people from using US.

Would anyone agree?

On Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 1:07 AM, Brian David  wrote:

> On Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 8:09 PM, Scott Lavender 
> wrote:
>
>> On Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 5:00 AM, Cory K.  wrote:
>>
>>> What *needs* to be settled 1st before *anything* should be put together
>>> is: Audience - Who we're talking to.
>>>
>>> It's a major first step from which everything is built.
>>>
>>> If Scott hasn't already done it, he should start a wiki page outlining
>>> our audiance and new direction. Aesthetic/stylistic guidelines can be
>>> developed from there. This needs to be managed by him as he's the
>>> current lead.
>>>
>>> Also, doing anything for 10.10 should be abandoned. It's just too late
>>> in the cycle and rushing things now will show in the final product. A
>>> good concerted effort for Natty is best IMO.
>>>
>>>
>>> -Cory K.
>>>
>>>
>> Okay, I've updated the website revamp website to include an area for
>> audience and themes:
>> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp
>>
>> Please update the website with more examples or further thoughts as
>> appropriate.
>>
>> Thank you,
>> ScottL
>>
>> --
>>
>> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
>> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
>> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
>> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>>
>>
> So, about this 'target audience' thing:
>
> I don't know if we want to make 'familiarity with Linux' a main attribute.
> Sure, anyone who wants to use UbuStu will need to learn Linux, but we
> shouldn't assume any initial knowledge.  Let's not forget that this is
> Ubuntu, a distro that has branded itself as the most easy-to-use.  We are
> looking to bring people into the fold who perhaps have always wanted to try
> Linux, but were too intimidated by the learning curve.  These people might
> be interested because:
>
> -They support community-developed projects, and align with the ideals of
> things like GPL, Creative Commons, etc.
> -Are unhappy with the state of 'industry standard' software
>
> Now, I do agree that the target audience should already have some kind of
> proficiency in their field, whether it is music or graphics.  These people
> will want professional, alternative software, but they won't want to spend a
> lot of down time converting.  Therefore, Ubuntu Studio should do what it can
> to work out-of-the-box, and for those things which the user absolutely must
> fix themselves, then there should be plenty of easily available
> documentation/tutorials to help them through.
>
> Just my thoughts.
> --
> -Brian David
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Brian David]

On Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 8:09 PM, Scott Lavender wrote:

> On Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 5:00 AM, Cory K.  wrote:
>
>> What *needs* to be settled 1st before *anything* should be put together
>> is: Audience - Who we're talking to.
>>
>> It's a major first step from which everything is built.
>>
>> If Scott hasn't already done it, he should start a wiki page outlining
>> our audiance and new direction. Aesthetic/stylistic guidelines can be
>> developed from there. This needs to be managed by him as he's the
>> current lead.
>>
>> Also, doing anything for 10.10 should be abandoned. It's just too late
>> in the cycle and rushing things now will show in the final product. A
>> good concerted effort for Natty is best IMO.
>>
>>
>> -Cory K.
>>
>>
> Okay, I've updated the website revamp website to include an area for
> audience and themes:
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp
>
> Please update the website with more examples or further thoughts as
> appropriate.
>
> Thank you,
> ScottL
>
> --
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
> Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
> Modify settings or unsubscribe at:
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel
>
>
So, about this 'target audience' thing:

I don't know if we want to make 'familiarity with Linux' a main attribute.
Sure, anyone who wants to use UbuStu will need to learn Linux, but we
shouldn't assume any initial knowledge.  Let's not forget that this is
Ubuntu, a distro that has branded itself as the most easy-to-use.  We are
looking to bring people into the fold who perhaps have always wanted to try
Linux, but were too intimidated by the learning curve.  These people might
be interested because:

-They support community-developed projects, and align with the ideals of
things like GPL, Creative Commons, etc.
-Are unhappy with the state of 'industry standard' software

Now, I do agree that the target audience should already have some kind of
proficiency in their field, whether it is music or graphics.  These people
will want professional, alternative software, but they won't want to spend a
lot of down time converting.  Therefore, Ubuntu Studio should do what it can
to work out-of-the-box, and for those things which the user absolutely must
fix themselves, then there should be plenty of easily available
documentation/tutorials to help them through.

Just my thoughts.
-- 
-Brian David
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel

Re: Putting the cart before the horse. (was: Final Notes on the Ubuntu Studio Website)

[Scott Lavender]

On Fri, Sep 10, 2010 at 5:00 AM, Cory K.  wrote:

> What *needs* to be settled 1st before *anything* should be put together
> is: Audience - Who we're talking to.
>
> It's a major first step from which everything is built.
>
> If Scott hasn't already done it, he should start a wiki page outlining
> our audiance and new direction. Aesthetic/stylistic guidelines can be
> developed from there. This needs to be managed by him as he's the
> current lead.
>
> Also, doing anything for 10.10 should be abandoned. It's just too late
> in the cycle and rushing things now will show in the final product. A
> good concerted effort for Natty is best IMO.
>
>
> -Cory K.
>
>
Okay, I've updated the website revamp website to include an area for
audience and themes:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuStudio/TaskWebRevamp

Please update the website with more examples or further thoughts as
appropriate.

Thank you,
ScottL
-- 
Ubuntu-Studio-devel mailing list
Ubuntu-Studio-devel@lists.ubuntu.com
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: 
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-studio-devel