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Luís de Sousa
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Are software recommendations on topic or not?

There are presently over 2 300 questions tagged with software-recommendation at AskUbuntu. However, now and then questions are closed on the basis of this tag being off topic. As an example, Thomas W. recently closed this question claiming:

I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because software recommendation is not typically on topic here, especially if you are looking for cross-platform solutions.

The question in question is similar to many others: a user seeking advice on which software may perform a particular task. Cross platform is also a common request in open questions with this tag.

The guidelines page does not reference directly software recommendations, but lists among the questions that may be asked:

. Running third-party applications on Ubuntu.

Finally a note on the Software Recommendations site. It graduated only days ago, and as far as I know, without fully meeting all criteria. My experience there so far has been rather negative, so much detail is required to post a question that it is often impractical. Most (if not all) of the questions tagged with software-recommendation at AskUbuntu would have been outright rejected at Software Recommendations.

I would prefer software-recommendation questions to remain on topic at AskUbuntu. Perhaps with additional guidelines in the About page.

Luís de Sousa
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