[plt-scheme] Hit People Over the Head with HtDP

Generally speaking, the current layout seems pretty good to me (this
is thanks to Matthew): downloading PLT is very easily accessible from
the front page (as well as from other pages, using the "Download" link
on the navbar).  As for the documentation, it is pretty extensive, but
it begins with the Guide links which are supposed to fill exactly that
gap of newcomers who are looking for an introduction rather than a
reference.  There is also the recently added "Help!" page which is
supposed to be a one-stop "don't panic" place.

The only thing that looks like it's missing is an HtDP link -- I'm not
sure if it's a good idea to put that on the front page (given that the
book is only indirectly related to Scheme), but perhap adding it to
the "Help!" page is a good idea?



On Jan 19, Neil Van Dyke wrote:
> PLTers...
> 
> I think one of the first sentences people should see when they get
> to the "plt-scheme.org" site is something like this, with links:
> 
> "If you are new to Scheme or to making computer programs, we
> recommend __installing PLT Scheme__ and starting with __How to
> Design Programs (HtDP)__."
> 
> Maybe on the home page, after a few-bulletpoint elevator speech on
> PLT Scheme, as well as at the top of other pages people might jump
> to when they're looking for documentation or downloads.
> 
> Maybe also add a pop-up to DrScheme that opens every time someone
> starts DrScheme (until they uncheck the box on the popup),
> suggesting starting with HtDP and providing a button that opens HtDP
> in their Web browser.
> 
> I appreciate the shelf of books on the site, but we really need a
> librarian to tackle newbies and point them to the starter manual.
> 
> There will always be macho men/women who say "just show me the
> reference manual; none of this sissy kindergarten stuff," but those
> people will just disregard the pointer to HtDP and will have no
> trouble finding the manuals they seek.

-- 
          ((lambda (x) (x x)) (lambda (x) (x x)))          Eli Barzilay:
                  http://www.barzilay.org/                 Maze is Life!