ubuntu-manual team mailing list archive

[Thorsten Wilms <t_w_@xxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 2010-02-01 at 18:35 +0530, Vishnoo wrote:
> On Mon, 2010-02-01 at 11:54 +0100, Thorsten Wilms wrote:

> > "Getting Started with Ubuntu 10.04"
> > 
> > Pro:
> >  * It avoids negative connotations of a classification like "beginner" 
> >    or "novice", yet provides a hint to readers if it fits their 
> >    situation.
> >  * Has an encouraging feel to it.
> >  * The version number is at the end, avoiding a break in the typography 
> >    (better "flow").
> Shouldnt be a major concern while deciding a books titles

The typographic flow of the title might not be a major concern, but it's
nothing to be ignored.

> >  * It's shorter than the other full title.
> ?? it not shorter to even say it ;)

Count the characters, including spaces and punctuation. You have to
compare to the full "The Ubuntu Manual 10.04: A Beginner's Guide", as
otherwise there's no hint at scope and audience.


> People can refer to the book title as: "Check out the Manual" , 
> 
> how do you expect folks to refer to the book with this title ?  "Check
> out the ........... " ;)

Might end up be called the-getting-started guide. Use in informal
conversation is less important than the impact on the title page. People
create shorthands as they feel the need to.


> We either stick with the present name or we find a good name quick. The
> current alternative is _not_ better in any sense.

Except in all listed.


> It better to not loose the goodwill we have gathered so far , just for
> the sake of typography

Here you line up the strongest pro for one, with the weakest of the
other, nice ;p


> To kick off the bikeshed ;p >>>
> 
> "Ubuntu 10.04 Companion"
> "Companion to Ubuntu 10.04"
> 
> "Companion" is commonly used for a lot of books to refer to the
> shortened[gist] version of a bigger text book/manual. Users should
> nearly get the meaning quicker. and hos all the pros of bot

Bikeshed is exactly what I want to avoid. Including an influx of
suggestion long after this should have been decided. That said,
"Ubuntu 10.04 Companion" is a reasonable suggestion. "Companion to
Ubuntu 10.04" seems stilted.


-- 
Thorsten Wilms

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