Hi, I Have a Proposition

[Geert Janssens]

On Friday 01 May 2015 20:35:58 Roger Mustacich wrote:
> Hi Developers,
> 
> My name is Roger, and I have a proposition.
> 
> It's my belief that with a few changes to improve work flow, GnuCash
> could have widespread appeal for managing personal finances. I'm not
> talking about the next systemd here, just some well-thought-out
> things like shading newly imported transactions and recently modified
> accounts, and adding or refining a few wizards. The one notable
> exception is a rules-based system for classifying items, but I think
> I can help significantly with that. Everything I'd be addressing
> could easily be made an option.
> 
> My primary contribution would be to help determine the changes needed
> to make GnuCash the superior program for personal finances, and to
> help implement them. Then, I would write and maintain a
> publication-worthy free guide on using GunCash for this purpose (and
> publicize the heck out of it). I would of course link to existing
> documentation throughout, and include just enough accounting
> background for this use. If the guide were released simultaneously
> with at least some of the features I have in mind, it could be an
> opportunity to get significant attention and attract a new set of
> users. It's easy to imagine a typically overdone Slashdot title like
> "GnuCash Takes on Personal Finances--The Quicken Killer?" Kindly note
> that I am not interested in a Quicken Clone--we can do better than
> that!
> 
> Why focus on a niche when GnuCash can do so much more? First, there's
> benefit to familiarity. If someone knows how to use GnuCash for home
> finances, why learn something new for their aspiring new business?
> Second, every single change to facilitate my work flow should be of
> general benefit. Third, GnuCash is an impressively mature solution,
> but perhaps it's time to start challenging it to do more. Forth,
> increased use for  any purpose could encourage financial institutions
> to provide greater support. Hopefully that's enough.
> 
> I could go on about the details, why I'm qualified for this, my
> motivation, etc., but my interest at this point is to find out if you
> folks, the architects of GnuCash, are at all interested. My ambitions
> are not modest--this is just a start--but for all I know you all are
> pleased with GnuCash as it is, and I couldn't blame you.
> 
> I'd love to hear your thoughts,
> 
> Roger Mustacich
> Santa Clara, CA
> 

Hi Roger,

I like your optimism and enthusiasm. I'm also in favor of any 
improvement to the user experience. If you believe you can help in that 
area you are most welcome!

Of the examples you mention only "shading newly imported transactions 
and recently modified accounts" is detailed enough to say: go for it.

Which assistants (as wizards are called in the gnome/gtk world) do you 
have in mind to add ? And what would you like to refine in others ?

And as John also already asked: what do you understand under a rules-
based system for classifying items ?

I also agree with John's comment that gnucash is a volunteer project and 
the project expects you to get your hands dirty (ie you will have to 
implement the features you propose yourself). Expect careful code review 
from the existing developers and please discuss upfront what you intend 
to implement to avoid unnecessary double work.

In addition I would suggest to browse uservoice and bugzilla for 
requests similar to your ideas and see if these can be integrated in 
your work.

Other than that I'm looking forward to your first detailed 
proposals/contributions !

Geert

[1] http://gnucash.uservoice.com/forums/101223-feature-request
[2] https://bugzilla.gnome.org/page.cgi?id=browse.html&product=GnuCash