[wp-docs] New WordPress Handbook

[Matt Mullenweg]

Austin Matzko wrote:
> I'm trying to understand the problems that will be solved by creating
> a Subversion-controlled manual.

Branching is one, for example when we do a release we can branch the 
handbook. It's been near-impossible to "version" the Codex for different 
releases of WP.

Another is that Docbook can easily output to many different formats, 
including CHM, and of course we could even do on-demand printed copies 
of the handbook. Printing out the whole Codex would be... harmful to our 
rain forests. :)

> if vandalism were a constant problem, then I could understand
> tightening up control.

Spam is a constant problem, but that's a separate issue.

> If the issue is a matter having professionals generate the content,

It's not an issue in my opinion.

> I'm concerned that this manual will have the effect of undermining the
> perceived value of the Codex, which will mean fewer people will
> consult it, and fewer volunteers will contribute both to the Codex and
> to the manual (with its higher barrier of entry).  Of course,
> potential deficits like that might be worthwhile in light of the
> overall benefit, but I'm having difficulty seeing the benefit.

I hope that things in the handbook will become the canonical resources 
for those parts of WP, just like we used to have certain important docs 
on WordPress.org.

-- 
Matt Mullenweg
http://ma.tt | http://wordpress.org | http://automattic.com