Dear LyX Users and Developers,
In the past couple of weeks, I've seen a great deal about LyX and improved outlines floating around. These include the improvements recommended by Steve Litt (http://www.lyx.org/trac/ticket/6174), in addition to those that I first proposed a year ago (http://www.oak-tree.us/blog/index.php/2009/03/04/perfect-tool, http://www.oak-tree.us/blog/index.php/2009/05/13/lyx-outline). Additionally, several users have contacted me to inquire about LyX-Outline's progress and remind me that there is tremendous community interest in such a tool (http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/11493/). Thus, even though I'm fairly slow on the uptake, I've gotten the message: it's time that LyX have an improved outliner. Right now, however, I don't really have the time to tackle it personally (needing to finish a book and being behind schedule). I am, however, willing to invest cash and knowledge. Steve (in a previous post) mentioned that he might also be willing to also provide resources. I would like to see if others are so inclined. Here's what I can currently offer: 1) Cash (see below) 2) Knowledge: I've been studying the code carefully and I think I understand what needs to be modified to implement a more robust outline environment. This includes changes to the TocModel and the creation of a new type of inset(s) which could be used for a section synopsis, or other associated meta-data.** 3) Additional Resources: I have had a student express interest, and I am willing to pay for his time. While his developer skills are ... limited ., he would be able to file bugs and write code if provided with *significant* guidance. Right, so now I arrive at the reason I'm writing. For starters, I've found money that can pay for 15 to 20 hours of developer time (assuming $20 US/hour, or so). In addition to the developer costs, I am willing to supervise, contribute related code I've already written, and test. Are there developers familiar with LyX's codebase who would be willing to help or provide guidance to those who can? Additionally, are there users who might be able to contribute additional funds?*** If the core developers are unable to help, I have located a group who would be willing to contract the work at a fairly reasonable rate. (And if all else fails, there is always the student.) Thoughts? Cheers, Rob Oakes * If you happen to be interested in improved writing software for Linux, it would be much appreciated if you went to the Ubuntu brainstorm page and added your opinion. Canonical has been known to provide developer time or other resources to projects that meet a community need. ** Once the changes are made to the TocModel so that it fully complies with the QStandardItemModel spec and a new inset that can be used as a "synopsis" is created, the rest is straightforward. I've already got a working prototype that could be adapted. *** These funds could be collected through the existing LyX accounts and managed by Pavel (or whoever is in charge of money).
