[linux-audio-dev] Re: What Parts of Linux Audio Simply Work Great?

[Dave Phillips]

James McDermott wrote:

>Dave Phillips wrote:
>
>  
>
>>I can honestly say that
>>jwz appears to have no influence at all within this community.
>>    
>>
>
>Well, that's exactly the point, isn't it. Within this enlightened,
>favoured and lucky community, no-one needs convincing - that would be
>preaching to the choir. The original poster wants to change opinions
>*outside* the community, where some people do think Linux audio's not
>up to scratch - or that it's hard to configure - or whatever. If
>they're wrong, the original poster was saying, let's change their
>minds.
>  
>
Agreed, but as I tried to indicate, there's a boatload of helpful 
information out there. jwz writes *as if it doesn't exist*. He doesn't 
avail himself of the available resources, and he discredits himself and 
his opinions by just that failure. His articles show little evidence of 
background research and/or communication with the developers. And 
whether anyone in Linuxland likes it, this communication is still an 
integral and necessary aspect of the system's success (past, current, 
and future).

I've written one book and about fifty articles and columns about Linux 
audio-related topics. I've maintained the site at linux-sound.org for 
nearly ten years, so I'll say it again: If someone complains that 
there's insufficient resources on this topic, then I say they're just 
not looking very hard. Wikis, blogs, mail lists, chat sites, soft & hard 
copy print material, instructional videos, it's all available to anyone 
who will take the time to look.

The points made about educating people are good points, but I feel as if 
I and many others have been doing exactly that for the last decade. We 
shall continue to do so, despite the jwz's of the world. And yes, it 
would a Very Good & Helpful Thing if there were a few more writers 
dedicated to the cause.

How many of you are aware of the Linux audio forums on SoS and TapeOp ? 
There *is* interest out there, and venues already exist for 
disseminating facts and advice re: Linux sound and music software.

I still feel that the best representation of Linux audio will be the 
music made with the software. Plenty of excellent examples already exist.

Oh btw: I happened to re-read jwz's whinefest re: Linux video apps, 
right after I finished watching my Criminal Intent DVDs with xine. The 
irony was delicious.

Best,

dp