On Sat, Apr 16, 2022 at 6:19 PM Stefan Seefeld via Boost
In that case I would suggest that we discuss such structural & process improvements *before* we start to think of a website redesign. Otherwise we'll just perpetuate the same errors we made in the previous iteration(s).
No, because the current site is dated and lacking the features to take us where we want to go. Beman Dawes was a great founder and we have him to thank for Boost and for the contributions to the C++ standard, among other things. Unfortunately he is no longer with us, and our institutions are failing. The committee doesn't look to Boost for inspiration anymore, preferring to design its own components instead of looking to established practice. Technical conversations are dispersed from the mailing list and into silos such as GitHub, Slack, or reddit. It takes increasing time to find a review manager, and fewer people write reviews. The pace of arrival of newcomers to Boost whether it is in terms of proposing new libraries, contributing to existing libraries, or discussing those libraries on the list, has slowed. There is less activity. The reality is that the foundations of Boost need to be refreshed, and this is not going to come from people who are still browsing the mailing list using the command line. Boost needs an infusion of vigor, ideas, and social technology; but most importantly it needs new people and new leaders or else it will continue to fossilize. Boost needs Milennials, Zillennials, Gen Z, and soon Gen A. Attracting these cohorts means speaking their language, and it is not the language of GNU Mailman [1]. It is the language of social media. Apps which are accessible on desktops, laptops, tablets, but also phones. Of apps that effortlessly connect developers together through videos, images, message-based discussions, live chat, video chat, and audio chat. Apps for sharing code (GitHub), apps for compiling code (compiler-explorer). It is the apps which hold the attention of C++ users by delivering to them the information that they need. Instant access to programming best practices, code snippets ready for copying and pasting, powerful libraries with good documentation and permissive licenses that are ready to be incorporated into a larger work with just a click. But also access to a growing community of the very best experts that the C++ language has to offer. Experts who have published libraries that are distributed with almost every version of Linux. In short, access to Boost library authors. To revitalize Boost and C++ we must make our talent and expertise available to the next generation so the individuals who are motivated to strive and achieve the most they can will have the resources and information at their fingertips for them to learn and grow. To achieve this we will build a social media platform on boost.org where all C++ users can visit to learn from the best, find the best libraries, share their techniques and ideas, and build the new tools we need to make continued progress. A living, breathing website with an infinitely scrolling list of user-generated, C++ related content. With avatars, personal profiles, badges, and social scores for participation to encourage engagement. In other words, "A Home Page for C++". We as authors must not only build and embrace a new boost.org but we must attract and cultivate the next generation of library creators so that Boost will continue to thrive well into the future. I hope everyone will join me as we take steps on this journey. Thanks [1] The mailing list functionality still needs to be available to power-users who benefit from consolidated access to all their communities. This will be implemented in the new site.