[SLP] the picture is clearer from SLP's perspective

[DoC]

Hi,   I've very new to this list, so if I offend anyone, I apologise first. No doubt that the discussion board forum on HWZ is a blow to the ambitions of SLP. However, this is the time to close ranks rather than bicker among ourselves. In fact, the move by HWZ is deterimentally to the local linux scene becoz there is insufficient traffic to split between both boards, resulting in fragmentation. I do not understand why Amensia(he is one of our own right?) decided to moderate the room. Shouldn't we all support SLP's?Several points :     Firstly, I do not believe HWZ will have an active discussion going on at all.  Working against HWZ( assuming a boycott by SLP) is that they have little or no expertise in linux at all. They are basically hardware chasers who want the latest and fastest. But nothing new ever works on linux(anyone get a TNT2 to run at its potential yet?).Their site is orthogonal to the state of linux. The reason why HWZ is trying to subsume other aspects of IT is becoz they have basically plateued out. There is only so much local advertising by dealers/shops that can be done. Doing reviews is  no good becoz of a bunch of other overseas sites already get the latest hardware and reviews up first. The net model supports first mover and winner takes all type of economy with (near) costless provision of information. HWZ is too late in this respect. On the other hand, Linux is about SOFTWARE which can be obtained more easily than hardware. That is our advantage.   Secondly, the expertise of the pple on this list and board I believe is far greater than HWZ's(not the overclocking expertise though I think). Sys admin, real programming(not HTML!) etc. If, SLP decides to do something, it can be achieved fast and rapidly.   Thirdly, SLP's members have an average age that is significantly higher than HWZ I believe(from the postings I get the impression). Most of us hold day-time jobs and have families. Our time is inherently limited for our linux passion. So, with these limited resources, good project management  and quality work is required. I suggest that a contribution ranking structure be setup. Pple who consistently contribute are promoted into the inner circle which has decision making powers. Those who just complain alot are ...well...ignored....     Lionel     PS : Raymond, I forgot to tell u that I have experience implementing a beta Altavista SDK. Do u want a  search engine for SLP(not altavista though becoz license prob but there are a bunch of others)?     ....if u're not blinded that is.   Lame ass zone's new forum serves THEIR ads. And now they want us to use their forum under the guise of providing us a service. Obvious, no?   And so wat if we refuse to use it? They can still continue to run the forum, making it a conflict of interest with SLP.   Tough times we live in, as prophesied ;)   Red Dawn