Re: [gentoo-dev] preference concerns over "gentoo-ization" of packages

[Chris Gianelloni]

On Sun, 2003-09-28 at 11:23, Aron Griffis wrote:
> I think that is the wrong assumption...
>
> "optimization settings" == compile-time flags, processor setting
> "built-time functionality" == libraries, optional modules, gtk vs kde, etc.
>
> Larry's complaint above pertains to things he can't change after the
> installation of a package.  Binary-only distros provide you with a
> package that is customized with a set of static configure options,
> compiled with a set of flags, and linked against libraries that are not
> left to the choosing of the user.  That is the problem that Portage
> solves by building packages on the user's machine, with USE-flags to
> guide the build process.
>
> On the other hand, what you're talking about is run-time functionality.
> In general, the changes in the ebuilds modify run-time configuration.
> It's not the appropriate place for a USE-flag (in most circumstances)
> and furthermore, it's not hard for savvy users to change to their
> preferred configuration.  In Gentoo, it has always been up to the
> discretion of the responsible devs to choose what default configuration
> they feel is appropriate for each individual package.

I couldn't agree more.  I don't have any problem with having to click
the mouse a few times to change the default theme (using gdm as an
example) away from a Gentoo custom one.  I would have a problem with
functionality being removed completely by default and having to edit an
ebuild or patch manually to re-implement the functionality.

Adding pretty Gentoo backgrounds/themes is completely different from,
say, ripping out the entire Gnome/KDE menu systems and building our own
from scratch.  The former I see no problem with at all.  The latter is
depriving our users of choice and their freedom to have a system the way
they wish, which I feel is opposed to the Gentoo way of doing things
which we all have come to love.

-- 
Chris Gianelloni
Developer, Gentoo Linux
Games Team

Is your power animal a penguin?