[News.eclipse.technology.packaging] Re: Policies for EPP

[Scott Lewis <slewis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ian Skerrett wrote:
> > Encouraging update sites is fine/good, but as the Europa download numbers 
> > show, EPP is/will be responsible for a lot of distribution...to the 
> > detriment of the projects that cannot participate (because you say they 
> > can't).
>
> Sorry I don't buy that EPP is the only distribution mechanism and if you are 
> not included it is to the projects detriment.  


I did not say that EPP was the only distribution mechanism provided by 
EF.  But it clearly is emphasized (and as the numbers show this is 
having the intended effect).

Only necessary evidence: http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

That is like saying if you
> are not included in the Platform project, you have no hope of success. 

I didn't say this either.  *Not* getting distribution through the EF 
website makes it more difficult for projects to get accepted and used. 
This is to their detriment.


and
> lots of projects have proven that is not true.   In fact, probably the only 
> project that has benefited from being included in EPP is Mylyn.


I'm not sure why you say this.  Although I wouldn't doubt that Mylyn has 
benefited tremendously (simply because it's the least well known/newest 
of the projects included in the EPP distributions), this doesn't mean 
that it's the only project that has benefited (?).

I would say more distribution (for any project) is better.  Less 
distribution is a detriment.  I would guess that the effects either way 
are larger for projects that are not as well established (i.e. newer).

And, BTW, I'm in favor of EPP allowing other packages to be constructed, 
but it currently doesn't seem possible.

> I really think you are trying to make EPP into something that it wasn't 
> intended to be. 

What was it intended to be then?  I *don't* expect that it is intended 
to be a way for a few favored projects to get greater distribution.

But rather:

1. Create entry level downloads based on defined user profiles

What about other user profiles (like, for example, team development, or 
build/deploy master)?  Seems like these are in scope.  If not, why?

2. Provide an installer that improves the install experience of new 
users of Eclipse

'Eclipse', last time I checked, includes projects not participating in 
EPP (currently).  At least I believe it should (or, more accurately, it 
should be possible).

3. Provide a platform that allows the creation of packages (zip/tar 
downloads) from an update site.

OK, I for one would be happy to do this.  Can I?


Scott