What’s wrong with Linux.com?

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Author: Robin 'Roblimo' Miller

Every Web site has flaws, including ours. And after every major change in a large-scale site, such as the one we made several months ago, when we not only did a major redesign but started using the (open source) Xaraya content management system, problems always crop up. Here’s your chance to let us know what you think needs changing on the site, and why.

But first, let’s get a couple of questions out of the way.

Q: Why do you allow those awful ads from “X” company on your site?

A: Because our editorial and advertising departments are totally walled off from one another. This means advertisers have no say in what articles we write (or don’t write) and how we write them. The downside of our editorial freedom is that we — editors, writers, and readers alike — often see ads we don’t like, just as advertisers often see stories here that they don’t like.

Q: Why can’t I view all comments at once instead of clicking on one at a time?

A: You can. Take 10 or 20 seconds to create a Linux.com login and you will have a number of comment-viewing options. We don’t sell your email address or spam you, so it is risk-free (and free-as-in-beer) to create a user identity here.

Q: That article was totally biased (in favor of/against) (fill in here)! How dare you?! You suck!

A: Many years ago, I came up with this dictum: “The only unbiased journalist is one who agrees with me in every way.” Note that we accept (and pay for) articles from people with many different opinions, as long as they are about Linux or FOSS. If you feel your viewpoint isn’t adequately represented on Linux.com, write an article or commentary that explains your viewpoint and why you hold it. If it meets our specifications, we’ll probably run it.

Now that we’ve gotten those few questions out of the way, please ask yours — or make any suggestion you like on how we can improve Linux.com. Either post your comments below or (if you prefer a private conversation) email editors@linux.com. We are always eager to hear your comments and suggestions.

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  • Commentary
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