This is an informal request for discussion.

I would like to solicit comments on the creation of a new newsgroup,
comp.lang.c++.sw-design, under the existing group comp.lang.c++.

The group would be organized primarily for the discussion of issues
related to the design and implementation of complex and/or subtle C++
software.  E.g.:

  * advanced C++ idioms (a la Coplien's book)
  * C++ class library design
  * C++ coding standards
  * discussion of efficiency, maintainability etc. of various
      idioms and implementations
  * maintenance, configuration control, etc.

Additional topics might include:

  * effects of newly-arrived features on C++ software design (not
      to be confused with discussion of un-approved features, which should
      take place in comp.std.c++)
  * discussion of software tools useful to C++ software authors
  * random interesting C++ obfuscations
  * conversion of systems from C to C++, other OOLs to C++

Things NOT to be discussed:

  * newbie how-tos
  * merits of various compilers
  * design of C++ compilers
  * advocacy (C++ vs C/Ada/Oberon/Smalltalk)
  * pecularities of C++ syntax, language issues, etc.

comp.lang.c++.sw-design might not be the best name.  But
comp.lang.c++.wizards isn't really right, nor is comp.lang.c++.idioms, and
comp.lang.c++.soft-sys is confusing.

I would favor moderation.  I doubt, however, that my frequent travel
would allow me to personally moderate the group (though I would like to).
I'm not sure that an unmoderated group would function properly.

Followups to news.groups.

--
Joseph Nathan Hall |  Whales: smart food for smart people
Software Architect |
Gorca Systems Inc. |                 joseph@joebloe.maple-shade.nj.us (home)
(on assignment)    |         (602) 732-2549 (work)   Joseph_Hall@sat.mot.com