[LAU] So what do you think sucks about Linux audio ?

[Thorsten Wilms]

On 02/11/2013 11:15 PM, Fons Adriaensen wrote:
> Something doesn't add up here. Entering a bug in a tracker, if you use
> one, is the first of*many*  actions in the process of fixing it. It's
> not the most time consuming one. If this tiny part of the process is
> already overwhelming, what about the rest ?

Writing a good bug report can easily take 10 minutes or more. Plus every 
developer should know the cost of a context switch.

Chances of a "report" happening via IRC or email already being well 
structured and complete are lower, as the tracker interface will include 
certain hints and brings a certain context/perspective to mind.

A developer of a long running, highly complex project will usually have 
a virtually unlimited amount of work to do. Filing tickets that users 
could file is a very inefficient use of valuable time.

If a user want a bug fixed, it's in their interest to file it properly 
and to not waste a developers time. There are of course cases, where 
talking to a developer first is better, say when it's not clear if it's 
a bug or a feature, or when hunting a heisenbug. I don't know any 
developer who would be more approachable, helpful and patient than Paul 
Davis in such cases (as mad as he made me in design matters, sometimes ;)).


-- 
Thorsten Wilms

thorwil's design for free software:
http://thorwil.wordpress.com/