Re: [Boost-users] Getting started with Boost: what did you need to know?

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2006-02-04 18:39:37

Foster Brereton <fosterb.boost_at_[hidden]> writes:

> I think there is a distinction that needs to be made between
>    1) attracting folks to Boost
>    2) helping out those who are giving it a shot for the first time
> and know nothing about it.
>
> I discovered it by recommendation from a colleague, and think it's the
> best way to advertise. That being said, (2) is still and issue for
> me...

Good; it's (2) that I asked about, so I appreciate that you are
addressing it.

> I have found the mailing list archives proved helpful, but took an
> inordinate amount of time to search through. Is it possible to take
> threads in the mailing lists that look something like this:
>     - A: I have problem XYZ
>     - B-Z: Oh, you need to do this
>     - A: That fixed it, thanks!
> and convert them to a FAQ or additional documentation? 

Maybe.  Who would do that, and how?

> There is a *ton* of useful information in the mailing lists, an
> organic conglomeration of docs that are not based on what the writer
> of the library thinks you'll need to know but rather what experience
> has taught us people want to know. The problem is it's a pain to
> parse through.

The only way to make it less painful would be to add some kind of
automation, I guess.  Any ideas?

> Even if that's too much work, a FAQ/tips and tricks/searching hints on
> how to get the most out of the data that is already in existence would
> have been a big help.

When you find some tricks, let us know!  Seriously, you're in a better
position to do this than people who don't need to search the mailing
list for that kind of answer.  When I search, it's usually because I
remember a particular conversation and I want to point someone at it.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
www.boost-consulting.com