The basic arguments are (and I am trying to be very 'fair and balanced' here, although maybe I shouldn't 😞
Yes: Python scripting continues to become an increasingly popular and important method to automate GIS workflows and with advances in v10, no longer applies to only geoprocessing tasks. Providing a separate "Python Scripting" forum will make it easier for knowledgeable contributors to reply to Python-related questions and provide a more focused and easy to browse knowledge base resource for all users interested in Python scripting.
No: Fewer forum topics is better, as many new ESRI users do not know what forum to post their questions under. Having fewer forum topics concentrates traffic and maximizes posts. The more threads in a forum, the better chance the thread will be responded to. Python-related questions are best left in the existing "Geoprocessing" and/or "ArcGIS Desktop - General" forums.
Python users (or would-be users) unite! Help shape the new ESRI forum... Vote!
Ok, here comes the Python forum. I certainly hope it's as useful as 85% of the active voters believe it will be.
If not, you bet I've got my Nomex jacket and socks ready... I expect to take a lot of heat for this, but it's worth it.
But seriously folks, thank you all for your input. I'm sure you all have much better ways to spend you productive time, so the fact that you invested in this issue to help the community in the long run is greatly appreciated.
BDFL? Nah. I serve you all, not the other way around. But as long as I can, I'm here to listen to what you want and act on what's best to evolve how things work out here.
1. If I am performing GP functions by coding Python and I have questions, would I search/post in the GP forum or the Python forum?
2. If I am using Python for Map Automation, would I search/post in the Map Automation forum or the Python forum?
I would say that if your question involves posting a code snippet, then it should go in the python forum. Otherwise, it depends... Pretty sure #1 would go in the python forum though...
