Evan started a proposal on area51 of stackexchange for a proposal for “Ubuntu specific stackexchange”. Those of who you don’t have any idea about stackexchange, it is the same platform on which StackOverflow runs on.

I know there is a sharp line between people who think that we don’t need ubuntu specific stackexchange and those ubuntu needs it. The discussions are basically related to:

1. It should not be ubuntu specific , but Linux specific
2. Ubuntu already has a wealth of such Q&A and forums

Big people like Miguel de Icaza have given their opinion on why first is not a good idea. I respect their opinions, but it is the general public who decides whether it should be there or not

Now I would like to talk on second point

Ubuntu Forums

I know UbuntuForums is probably one of the biggest distro specific forum. The amount of activity and number of users are overwhelming. It was designed for discussion and mostly focused on follow-ups. One person can post multiple replies which make the whole thread reach insane levels.

Point no 2, Ubuntuforums is not a Q&A platform.

Launchpad Answers

This is probably the most competitive alternative to stackexchange as it is meant for answering questions. I can point out many problems in this due to which it is not so famous. Probably Launchpad team is more busy working Soyez and Rosetta and don’t have much time for Answers. I don’t blame them. Launchpad is a fantastic platform. The problems with current Answers are

1. Doesn’t show the picture of the person next to the answer. Due to this, I need to look at the name and try to recall. Profile pictures are more powerful than names as identities.
2. It does not allow favouriting/bookmarking a question. You can subscribe to the question,but not bookmark. StackExchange allows these two functionality separately.
3. You cannot Upvote/Downvote answers. This makes it pretty tough to make out whether an answer is helpful or not
4. Does LP Answers allow tags on a question? I was unable to find it. StackExchange allows it and also to search by tags. To make it sweeter, it allows only 5 tags on each question to avoid tag misuse.
5. Stackexchange asks you to edit your original answer instead of putting one more answer on a question. Makes sense! You don’t want hundreds of follow ups. All your answer are together. You can edit your answer anytime.
6. I can go on and on. The best thing should win. We should not show any favour. StackExchange clearly stands out. Now it’s time for Launchpad Team to get Answers in right state.

Leonard Richardson (the Launchpad rockstar) needs to read this post.