[Edu-sig] re: programming for artists

Dethe Elza delza@alliances.org
Wed, 06 Jun 2001 15:37:06 -0700


on 01/6/6 06:31 PM, Jason Cunliffe at jasonic@panix.com wrote:

> Zwiki seems fine as collaborative online bookdev environment.

OK, I'll see what I can do about setting this up.

> I have not used it myself yet. The only thing whicc bothers me about other
> peoples Zwikis [mainly Zope ones] are that they seem to gemereate many more
> unfulfilled links than content. If only there were better feedback
> indicators agaisnt links _before_ you jump, it would be less frustrating to
> browse.

Oh, I have a great many reservations against Wikis, they're limited in all
kinds of ways.  It's just that I haven't finished coding my replacement yet
%-)

> This maybe is a reason to use them - we might be motivated to improve the
> tool. I like the simplicity of structured text very much. Curious about
> import and export between ST and other text media [email,msword docs etc]

You can always generate HTML from the structured text and import that to
word, mail, etc.  Theoretically you could also generate DocBook, PDF, etc.,
but I don't know if the good Zope folk have implemented that yet.

>>> If I'm off base here, please tell me.  Frankly I'm a bit lost, not sure
> what
>>> the disagreement is between Art and Jason, or if there is one.
>> 
>> I feel strongly that the CP4E angle should be played down, not up.

OK, I agree with Art, mainly in that CP4E is a) very focussed on getting
Python into schools, and b) less focussed on having fun.  No problems there.

> How does one measure a CP4E angle?

It's the square root of the hippopatamus.

>> For a number of reasons.  Not least of which I would prefer an effort
>> that was irreverent and "mad"  at its inception  -  not having to worry
> about
>> any serious intent.  Purely for the fun of it - hopefully some contagious
> fun.
> 
> 'Contagious Fun' - like it. could be good title.

"Aachooo!"
"By George, I think you've got it."

-- 

Dethe Elza 
Chief Mad Scientist
Burning Tiger Technologies