[scribus-dev] Scribus Research

[Craig Bradney]

On Wednesday 13 August 2008 17:45:47 Christoph Schäfer wrote:
> Hi guys,
>
> A few days ago I held a talk about the history of technical innovation at
> the local technical university. This university is a bit unique in that it
> uses the so-called dual teaching approach: students only spend half of
> their studies at the university. The other half is consumed with working
> for a local company. This approach benefits all: the university needs fewer
> space and staff, the companies can train future experts according to their
> needs, and the students not only get paid for their studies, but are also
> in contact with practical work, instead of hiding in the academic ivory
> tower until after their graduation.
>
> One of the professors I talked to suggested open source projects like ours
> use a similar approach. So here's a proposal I'd like to discuss on this
> list, code-named "Scribus Research".
>
> There are certain tasks in Scribus development that require a lot of work,
> tinkering, reading etc., a PostScript flattener being the most prominent
> (and notorious) example. If the coders were able to clearly outline certain
> tasks and the necessary work, as well as the expected results, we could add
> a web page to scribus.net, where those tasks are listed. The tasks could be
> of different complexities and time frames, eg. for B.A., M.A. or Ph.D.
> degrees. That way, we may not only receive external help for development,
> but also get in contact with professors and other teachers. Depending on
> the amount of donations we receive -- once the organisation, the bank
> account and the GiroPal and PayPal links are set up -- we may also be able
> to provide a certain degree of funding for one or more students. This could
> also include companies who need extensions of Scribus and are willing to
> pay a student for writing an extension or rewriting parts of the code as a
> part of his research or exams. It could also include usability studies.
> Even if those students may be hired by Adobe or Corel after their
> graduation, finished projects could help advancing Scribus.
>
> Required: a web page, some money and some initial contacts to universities
> or technical colleges. Optional: a research wiki (or a new category in the
> existing wiki), a research mailing list and a research IRC channel.
>
> If we succeed, the model could be extended to other create projects.
>
> What do you think?
>
> Christoph

Sounds like an idea worth exploring further for sure.

Craig