[Haskell-cafe] New slogan for haskell.org

[Manuel M T Chakravarty]

Don Stewart wrote,
> catamorphism:
>> On 10/4/07, Don Stewart <dons at galois.com> wrote:
>>> It was raised at CUFP today that while Python has:
>>>
>>>     Python is a dynamic object-oriented programming language that can be
>>>     used for many kinds of software development. It offers strong
>>>     support for integration with other languages and tools, comes with
>>>     extensive standard libraries, and can be learned in a few days. Many
>>>     Python programmers report substantial productivity gains and feel
>>>     the language encourages the development of higher quality, more
>>>     maintainable code.
>>>
>>> With the links from the start about using Python for various purposes,
>>> along with reassuring text about licenses and so on.
>>>
>>> Note its all about how it can help you.
>>>
>>> The Haskell website has the rather strange motivational text:
>>>
>>>     Haskell is a general purpose, purely functional programming language
>>>     featuring static typing, higher order functions, polymorphism, type
>>>     classes, and monadic effects. Haskell compilers are freely available
>>>     for almost any computer.
>>>
>>> Which doesn't say why these help you.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions on a 2 or 3 sentence spiel about what's available?
>>>
>>> Here's some quick points:
>>>
>>>     General purpose: applications from OS kernels to compilers to web dev to ...
>>>     Strong integration with other languages: FFI, and FFI binding tools
>>>     Many developer tools: debugger, profiler, code coverage, QuickCheck
>>>     Extensive libraries: central library repository, central repo hosting
>>>     Productivity, robustness, maintainability: purity, type system, etc
>>>     Parallelism!
>>>
>> Can't we embrace the power of 'and'? It's wonderful that Haskell is
>> seeing more practical use, but we shouldn't forget the foundations,
>> either. Maybe we should put your second description first, and *then*
>> have a paragraph saying, "and, for those who know what these are,
>> polymorphism, monadic effects, etc."? Only describing Haskell in terms
>> of software engineeering doesn't seem right to me.
> 
> Yes, I think that's the best step. Combine both why you'd use it, with
> what unique features enable this. 

I also agree that this is the right way to go.

FWIW, the CUFP talk that started this discussion took the current 
text out of context.  It is one thing to have the fp-speak 
description of Haskell in isolation (as in the CUFP talk) and 
another to have it on the wiki front-page, where the side bar 
advertises libraries, applications, etc. and the middle has news 
items and so forth.

Manuel