I only recently subscribed to this list and have been reading this thread with interest. I'm a working musician with just enough geek in me to get into trouble. Linux has been my sole operating system for around 6 years now. And frankly, I love it. It's as much a part of me as the clothes I wear. I do all my arranging, composing, and a small amount of recording on Linux.
Over the years, I've tried out the various audio distros, and continue to check out the latest offerings as they develop. I bought Studio to Go when it was at version 2.0 and was sorry to see the folding of Fervent Software. I attempted to try out 64 Studio but had a bios issue that was later resolved by the chip maker. JAD seemed promising but updated information was sporadic and their ability to influence the direction of SuSE seemed lacking. Ubuntu Studio, bolstered by regular releases, a level of quality not previously seen, and with such integration with the main project seemed a sure success. Seeing 8.10 come out with no RT kernel was such a disappointment. I understand that accomplishing something like a RT kernel involves the cooperation of many people, all of whom have their own goals and a limited amount of time and energy to devote. So I took it in stride and just hoped for the best this time around. I hopped onto Jaunty at Alpha 4, with vanilla ubuntu at home and studio at work. So far, things look promising. And the RT kernel works quite well for me. And tonight, while composing this post, I bumped the mouse on my wacom tablet, and lo and behold it finally works again! After a quick config in Gimp, I've once again got one of my favorite tools back. And I guess that's how I view Linux. I have to be willing to learn, to research, to devote maybe an hour of tinkering and learning to every 10 hours of creative work. I have to do my part and in return, people that I will probably never ever meet or know will do their part and it will all come together. I do so appreciate the work of the people who have made Ubuntu Studio a reality. And also the efforts of those who stopped by briefly to offer assistance. Like so many users, I have no coding skills and already live at the brink of my abilities doing things like compiling a few pet programs to meet my needs. Personally, I don't think audio or artistically derived distros will ever be mainstream. Just like artists aren't mainstream. But what I think can be heard throughout the posts I've seen so far is that it isn't so important whether one uses jack or pulse or prefers a minimal install to the kitchen sink. The key seems to be allowing the user as much choice as possible. The choice to kick Pulse audio to the curb (my preferred method) or to try out the latest unstable version of their favorite pet package. And to do so in as easy a manner as possible, preferably at install, with the option to make later changes. The biggest obstacle for me regarding Linux and audio is something that I'd be willing to try and put some time and effort into, if that would help. That obstacle is the apparent lack of documentation for so many packages. For all the years I've worked with Linux, I've still never seen a comprehensive explanation of the options in Jack. There are a number of applications that are either undocumented or lacking up-to-date information. But I won't try to get specific here. Suffice it to say that the learning curve is just too steep. If I was coming in fresh today, I doubt I'd have the drive to stick with it. So I'd be happy to try and help with documentation. As for the crossroads you face: what to do next? The only thing I can suggest is to set boundaries and don't take on more than is good for you. If other developers don't throw in their efforts, then so be it. We will all lose out. But no one person, or even a small core group can be responsible for the continuing success of such a big project. It has already been a success and set a new standard. Perhaps it is time for those of us who have enjoyed the fruits to pitch in and take things to the next level. And if it doesn't get there, it's okay. That's Linux. Congratulations on a job well done.!
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