Task:Texts for maemo.nokia.com

maemo.nokia.com will contain two pages related to the current scope of maemo.org. Here we will draft the text for both. Quim has to deliver a first complete draft by 2008-11-18.

Introduction for developers

Ideas to develop, keeping them simple and short. More catchy than accurate or explained in depth.

  • Basic platform description.
  • Intro to the offering in a sensible way: Mozilla add-ons, Python, C/C++, GTK+Qt, SDK, SDK+, Eclipse plugins (do we need to digest all this or make a tighter selection).
  • Specific message to Linux ports.
  • Specific message to Symbian and .NET developers.
  • Highlights on open platform development.
  • Introduction to Forum Nokia: official & stable.
  • Introduction to maemo.org Developers corner: community & unstable.
  • Links to Quickstart Guide, Reference Manual and Training Materials.

Introduction to open source

Maemo has Linux at its heart and an open mind. Most of its components are open source, giving their users software freedom. Developers will understand the beauty and usefulness of having the freedom to look how things are done, and the freedom to improve them. For the rest of us, open source means having the freedom to share the software we like, and get upgrades and new software at no cost.

Open source software is created by communities of people, developers and users, working together to solve problems and improve software. As a user, you are a member of that community. You can get in direct contact with the developers to suggest improvements, get support and assistance when you have problems, and even help make the software better for all users.

Most projects need help testing new features, translating the software into different languages. Design skills and creative and supporting minds of all kinds are welcome.

Beyond practicalities, there are the values of software freedom. Transparency, flexibility, diversity, emancipation... These are ingredients of liberty, creativity and satisfaction. Nobody can stop you from using and reusing our software to turn your ideas into reality and come up with your own alternatives. What is best, the potential for collaboration is so exciting that you will rarely find yourself working alone.

It's the power of passionate communities! And this power is what brings warmth to the software that warms your life.

(suggested edit by Dave Neary 11:07, 13 November 2008 (UTC))


Ideas to develop, keeping them simple and short. More catchy than accurate or explained in depth.

  • Why being able to look at the source code of software is relevant to normal people.
    • No licencing costs
    • Freedom to use (No constricting EULA)
    • Freedom to share (pass copies around)
    • Developing software in the open permits peer review (more secure software)
    • Development by community - the doors are open, come on in!
  • How normal people benefits from software freedom.
  • Every user is a potential contributor.
  • How Maemo benefits from the work of other projects, and viceversa.
    • Sharing infrastructure - collaborate on higher quality building materials to make better houses
    • Collaboration on what's shared, competition on what's different
  • Short history and trends.
  • maemo.org entry points to get started.

Links to know more:

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