FAQ: General

Q: What is LINMO?

A: LINMO is a model for web sites about specific topics that are designed to maximize usefulness and convenience for the largest possible audience. The model is accompanied by a set of relatively simple and largely intuitive guidelines that facilitate its implementation

Q: What is the core concept of the model?

A: It is the principle of optimal modularization. A module is a self-contained component of a system (e.g., a product) which has a well-defined interface to other components of the system. Improved modularization has long been a key factor in the improvement in performance and reduction in cost of numerous products, and it has been an important factor in economic growth and the development of industrial economies. Improvements in modularization are made possible through both technological advances and the improved use of existing technologies.

The optimal modularization for content-rich web sites is very different from that for hard copy (i.e., printed on paper) books because of the very different technologies involved, particularly the ease of varying page length and the availability of hyperlinks. The implementation of content-rich web sites that utilize optimal modularization can result in substantial benefits as compared with sites that are lacking in well-planned modularity.

Q: I have read the pages about the model and modules but am still a little confused. It is possible to develop a LINMO-compatible web site without fully understanding the concept of modules?

A: Yes, definitely. That is what the guidelines are for. They allow someone who is a good writer and knows a subject well to create a high quality, content-rich work about that topic that fully combines the best qualities of printed books with the advantages of the web without completely understanding the concept of modularization. Moreover, although the concept of efficient modularization can seem a little confusing at first, it will likely become clearer, and its benefits will be more apparent, as an author gains experience creating a site that conforms to the guidelines.

Q: How far along are the guidelines?

A: Pages about some categories have already been posted on this site, and additional pages will be added in the near future.

Q: What does LINMO stand for?

A: It stands for hyperlinked information modules. It also stands for LINFO web content development model.

Q: What led to the development of LINMO?

A: Several things. One was the feeling that, despite the already tremendous successes of the web, substantial room remains for further improvement with regard to both content and its presentation. That is, it appeared that much more could be done to improve both of them even using just the most basic of web site development technologies, i.e., HTML (hypertext markup language) and a little CSS (cascading style sheets), and without resorting to more advanced technologies that might be either unnecessary or beyond the reach (or interest) of experts in some field who are also skilled writers.

Another was the development of The Linux Information Project (LINFO). During the course of this project, a great deal of thought was given to the optimal (i.e., most user friendly and the most useful for the largest number of people around the world) form for content-rich websites. As a consequence, several things have been done differently than on most other web sites. The success of this project has confirmed that there could be some validity to the concept. (For questions and answers specifically about LINFO, see the page FAQ: LINFO.)

Q: Why are there so few examples of LINMO-compatible web sites?

A: It is in large part because the web is still relatively new. It is also because the development of such sites is an extremely costly endeavor in terms of both time and effort and because there are relatively few people who are in a position to develop them.

Q: Why was the first site of this type about Linux?

A: It was largely just a fortuitous set of circumstances. But it is also rather appropriate, as the Internet, and thus the web, is based largely on UNIX and Linux has become the dominant form of UNIX (and the most rapidly growing computer operating system).

Q: Is this site LINMO-compatible?

A: No, not entirely. The reason is that, at least for the time being, many of the links are to pages on the LINFO website, rather than to original LINMO pages.

Q: Is LINMO really innovative, or does true innovation for the Internet only come in the form of algorithms that can be expressed in mathematical terms?

A: LINMO is innovative with regard to both its model and the set of guidelines that accompany the model. Although the model could be expressed more formally (e.g., in mathematical terms), that would conflict with its core purpose, which is to be understandable by as many people as possible.

Moreover, the development of LINMO-compatible web sites is also innovative. Although there has been a tendency in recent years to focus on automation and attempting to express everything in terms of algorithms and mathematical formulae, there are still many fields in which craftsmanship plays just as important, if not more so, role and will perhaps always continue to. They include writing, designing, composing music and even the practice of many of the scientific and engineering fields, such as the practice of medicine or the writing of computer code. The practice of and innovation in these arts can be as significant and useful as that in algorithms and formulae, and some people might even say that there is much similarity between them.

Q: Doesn't it seem that some of the guidelines are contradicting current trends in web site development, such as the use of wikis and content management systems?

A: LINMO makes no attempt to conform to current fashions regarding web design and web technologies, and thus LINMO-compatible sites might not be appropriate for people who place priority on being trendy. For example, it does not promote the use of wikis (i.e., a technique for users to generate content), conventional content management systems, on-site search mechanisms, conventional sitemaps, blogs and free documentation licenses. Also, it uses only the simplest of coding techniques, and it discourages the use of colors and images except when truly beneficial. None of these things would really benefit LINMO-compatible web sites (although it may be difficult to comprehend for those not fully familiar with the concept), and they could prove to just be obstacles. Trends in site design (and almost everything else) can differ in different parts of the world, and they can (and usually do) change over time. LINMO instead focuses on creating sites with high quality content that is comparable to that of high quality hard copy books but which is presented in a manner that attempts to fully exploit the advantages of the web.

Q: Then, could it be said that the LINMO philosophy is kind of an "anti-fashion" philosophy?

A: No, not at all. LINMO is not concerned with being either for or against any current trends in web technology and design. Rather, it is concerned with more fundamental concepts.

Q: Should all web sites attempt to be LINMO-compatible?

A: No, definitely not. Just as not all printed books should attempt to conform to any single model for printed books. Sites should be made LINMO-compatible only in those situations in which there is a net benefit; in situations in which some other approach is more beneficial, that approach should be used.

Q: Can a web site be developed that just follows some of the LINMO guidelines, but not all of them?

A: Yes, there is nothing to stop a developer from creating a site that just adheres to some of the guidelines. And even conforming to just a few of the guidelines could represent a substantial improvement for many sites. Such sites might be termed LINMO-influenced sites rather than LINMO-compatible sites. However, it is important for authors to keep in mind that each of the LINMO guidelines was developed for a good reason and that only partial adherence to the guidelines might keep a site from reaching its full potential.