User talk:Pointone/Main Page

Format and introduction

Speaking strictly about the format, I like it over the current incarnation--maybe as far as calling it perfect in this area. My main reason being that it doesn't need links on the headers, which is a big improvement over the unnecessary and inconsistent linking we have now. I also appreciate how it's generally more spaced out, clearer and easier to digest.

Now, about the actual content: I can't say that I'm enjoying the introductory section.

"Arch Linux is an independently-developed i686/x86-64 community distribution based on a rolling-release model and targeted at competent GNU/Linux users which offers large binary repositories and excellent package management as well as a ports-like packaging system. Development focuses on a balance of minimalism, elegance, code correctness and modernity. Version 0.1 (Homer) was released March 11, 2002."

A few run-on mistakes aside, I think you should avoid repeating words, even more so if these duplicates occur on the same sentence. Consider changing it to ports-like building system for a little variation.

And while I agree that it's important to have an explanation of what Arch is on the wiki front page, I think that the current justification for skipping an Arch excerpt is that the actual main site already accomplishes this. Nevertheless, this calls for a change. pwd 04:28, 19 December 2009 (EST)

I completely agree regarding the intro; I stole the introduction from Arch Linux as more of a placeholder... couldn't really think of anything else to say there at the time. It now reads "Welcome to the ArchWiki; the finest source of Arch Linux documentation on the web." I would like to keep any intro here short and succinct. Please feel free to suggest anything different.

I've made a few other minor touch-ups. I was hoping for input regarding the "Help" section, where I've suggested using Google's "site" search feature. MediaWiki search can be annoying, I find, so I hope this can be useful.

-- pointone 12:28, 20 December 2009 (EST)

Another recommendation would be to move the link for table of contents to a more important place near the top, since it's such a useful page. Other than that, no more complaints with the current design. pwd 22:56, 20 December 2009 (EST)

Looks great to me. Misfit138 12:34, 24 December 2009 (EST)

I'm tired and blunt now, so I'm... phht. Please, please, the pref... er... ent... iality(Sp, not word...) in the first sentence. I mean... uh, I just think that... ... :: If you see an adjective, kill it - Twain.

(Gen2ly explains a step by step with lot of elaborate, clearly defined details and then makes reference to car salesmenship(Sp, and...) and carpet baggery and fumbles his hat.

Really like how the BG and Off. guide were the first mentioned when I got to Arch: seemed like a nice open door with heat coming out of it from a cold winter. Still like it seeing it like burning glow through a rough storm.

Again, not alot of time:

• Many of them will explain the philosophy of Arch and compare/contrast Arch with other distributions. - necessary?
• They are not meant to convince the reader to choose Arch -- that decision is left to the reader alone. - Kid: shoulder shrugged, with hands behind back, body rolling side to side.
• lowdown, Yo!. I actually like this but it came across funny the first time I read it.
• Like 'Getting Started' title better. Like the original 'Helpful Places' more-compact format though.

--Gen2ly 15:18, 24 December 2009 (EST)

Thanks, Gen2ly; this made me smile! ;)

I agree with respect to the rather wordy section introduction. Modified; no redundancies now?

As far as the previous "Helpful Places" section goes, I found it far too arbitrary to suit my tastes. I think the current Category:Pages sorted by topic (English) fills the gap with a more balanced approach, and users are free to edit the "Highlights" as needed.

I plan to implement this proposal after the merge of General Recommendations is completed, barring any other major objections.

-- pointone 19:53, 24 December 2009 (EST)

Lack of time on last edit, will try to do better :D.

A couple thoughts came to me when reading... Because this is a open project is using finest help the thought of expanding ideas? I thought about this and used the Twain quote above (which applies to his days in journalism) because I think applies good here. Probably a lot of thoughts on this, any opinions?

Having the BG and OIG at the beginning provides a nice 'open door' policy. Breaks layout I know, but I think it's important.

'Getting Started' well thought out, nice concise introduction. Thanks for previous blurt :).

--Gen2ly 14:46, 26 December 2009 (EST)