[Live-demo] Re: rating system

[Cameron Shorter]

I realise a rating system will always controversial, but when I've been 
marketing Open Source Software at conferences, comparing projects would 
have to be one of the most common questions asked. Effectively, a 
ranking system is what our users are asking for.

So our options are:
* Avoid the question, and let new users try and guess which is the best 
project for them, spend a lot of time trying applications which don't 
cover their requirements, and get turned off Open Source before they 
even start.

* Take the hard road of defining our own rating system, knowing that 
some people will dislike it, but ultimately providing a greater service 
to the greater Open Source community. Users will be more happy, so we 
will attract more users, hence more investment, and as a group we will 
be better off.

For reference, the rating system being proposed is at:
http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Marketing_Artefacts#Maturity_Rating

Brian Hamlin wrote:
> I reach the same conclusion as Hamish
> (though for different reaons)
>
> IMO a star rating system is doomed
> please replace this idea with a pointer to an Ohloh page, if necessary
>
> best regards
>   -Brian
>
> ==
> Brian Hamlin
> planetwork.net
> OSGeo California
> (415) 717-4462 cell
>
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-- 
Cameron Shorter
Geospatial Solutions Manager
Tel: +61 (0)2 8570 5050
Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254

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