# Challenges of Writing Mac/Linux Articles: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: The Initial Struggle
When I began my journey as a writer for Medium, my intention was to create several articles focused on the integration of Macs with Linux systems. However, I quickly found that certain aspects of the Linux desktop are not particularly user-friendly, making it challenging to write articles aimed at a general audience.
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Section 1.1: The Samba Conundrum
I embarked on writing a guide to configure an Ubuntu Linux machine as a file and Time Machine server for a Mac. However, I soon realized that I couldn't bypass the complexities involved in configuring Samba (SMB file sharing). Suddenly, my article felt too intricate for the everyday consumer I had in mind. While a Linux user might grasp it, the average Mac user could find it overwhelming.
Moreover, even though Macs generally communicate smoothly with one another using Apple's proprietary SMB implementation, connecting a Mac to a Linux box running Samba can lead to frustrating delays. This happens as the Mac negotiates the SMB version to use. While Samba performs well around 75% of the time, explaining how to troubleshoot the remaining 25%—especially when issues may be unique to Macs—can easily complicate a consumer-friendly article.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Apple File Sharing Dilemma
I once completed an article detailing the setup of Apple File Sharing (APS) between a Mac and a Linux system. I was satisfied with my work until I discovered that Apple had deprecated APS. I felt it would be irresponsible to publish an article that encourages the use of outdated technology, leading me to pivot to the Samba/SMB guide instead.
Section 1.2: Remote Desktop Challenges
Similarly, I encountered complications while drafting an article on using Remote Desktop to connect a Mac to a Linux machine. While the setup itself isn't overly complicated, I found myself needing to explain how to adjust Ubuntu's security policies (polkit-1) to avoid repeated password prompts. Once again, my article appeared too complex for the intended consumer audience.
I am reluctant to write articles that merely instruct readers to "copy and paste this code into a Terminal window," nor do I believe that lengthy technical explanations will engage readers. Sometimes, it feels like a no-win situation.
Chapter 2: Embracing Imperfection
Despite these challenges, I have decided to complete my articles, accepting their imperfections, as they still offer valuable insights for intermediate users. I may not be able to connect with the consumer audience I initially aimed for, but I believe the information will still be beneficial. Stay tuned for their release.
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