[Biopython-dev] Encouraging use of Stack Overflow for questions

[Brad Chapman]

Hi Nick;

> Great suggestion, I have been thinking along the same lines. I really
> like the design of the Stack Exchange sites, it is a great way of
> exchanging Q&A information.
> 
> It is worth mentioning that Stackoverflow is not the only site using the
> "Stack Exchange" format that is relevant.
> 
> Here is a link to various other Stack Exchange sites:
> http://tumblr.marcosdecarvalho.com/post/252388387/the-stackexchange-family

Awesome. Thanks for the pointer. Sounds like you have a great handle
on this.

> Although there are Biopython questions in Stackoverflow, I wonder
> whether that is the correct place for questions, or whether it would be
> overall more productive to have a resource for bioinformatics? I think
> bioinformatics is the correct breadth of topic to keep a large enough
> community together whilst not being too off-topic.
> 
> I have registered http://bioinformatics.stackexchange.com/ and will
> happily make you and anyone else who is interested an admin.
> 
> Does the list think there could be enough community interest to justify
> a separate site like this?

It looks like there are a couple of Stack Exchange sites with
similar aims for open source bioinformatics and chemistry:

http://biostar.stackexchange.com/
http://blueobelisk.stackexchange.com/

If we go this way we might want to talk to the owners of these sites
and integrate with them.

My preference would be to go with the main StackOverflow site and
carve out our niche with the tagging system. We build off of an
existing community instead of needing to help grow one. Some of the
more successful biology communities, like the one on Friendfeed,
benefit from input outside of the standard community:

http://friendfeed.com/the-life-scientists

I think this would be less likely with a dedicated site, as that
fortuitous crosstalk is prevented by other programmers never
thinking to look at a bioinformatics only site.

Happy to hear what others think,
Brad