Gnome 3.0, A Response
This is in response to Aaron Toponce's post.
Is your concern just the version number? Is there something magical about the number 3.0 that makes you feel warm and fuzzy? Myself, I think the fact that Gnome should be proud to have made seven releases in a row, on time, without breaking compatibility.
With each release, Gnome continues to polish existing technologies and introduce new technologies. Although dbus didn't exist when Gnome 2.0 was released, it's becoming an integral part of the desktop. The long maligned file dialog has been radically improved since the release of Gnome 2.0, yet old applications continue to work just fine. When the kernel developers created inotify, Gnome quickly integrated it, resulting in significanly improved file monitoring post Gnome 2.0. That's three major post-2.0 improvements just off the top of my head, if one of us took the time to do actual research, I promise we'd would find many more.
I love the fact that Gnome doesn't feel a need to make major, intrusive changes just to create the impression of progress. *cough* Vista *cough* (But that's a topic for another post.) Last I heard, Gnome is reserving the number 3.0 for revolutionary changes. We're talking things like voice interface, pervasive computing, IP over telepathy, etc. My personal theory is that we'll see 3.0 when GLib/GTK+/Gnome get rewritten to take full advantage of multi-core, Cell like processors. Until then, I respect the fact that Gnome is maintaining compatiblity, making incremental improvements, and polishing Gnome into the most simple, most usable desktop around.
You claim you want something "something more streamlined and more integrated," but that's a pretty vague statement. Perhaps you'd like to elaborate by citing some actual examples. As long as you don't act like you're entitled to your every whim and desire, I'm sure the Gnome deveopers will welcome your input. If your ideas are good enough, they might even make someone itch enough to implement them.
Until then, Gnome is becoming increasingly integrated, but in a way I like. I like the fact that Gnome is loosely coupled. Which isn't to say it's disorganized, like you seem to be implying. Gnome has a strong community. It does have goals, but those goals reflect pragmatic recognition of what developers care about and are willing to work on. I like the fact that I can expect a new version of Gnome roughly every six months. That sort of consistency is only possible will good planning and coordination.
I guess what I'm saying is, what's the big deal? Version 3.0 is just a number. As for features, I like the state and direction of Gnome. Gnome has experienced significant improvement since 2.0, and it will continue to well into the future.
