On Tuesday 10 Dec 2013 15:25:32 Walter Dnes wrote:
> On Sat, Dec 07, 2013 at 11:47:41AM +0000, Mick wrote
> 
> > On Saturday 07 Dec 2013 11:27:50 Tom Wijsman wrote:
> > > On Sat, 7 Dec 2013 11:03:00 +0000
> > > 
> > > Mick <michaelkintzios@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > It used to be the case that setting -gnome globally would be
> > > > sufficient, without having to manually mask packages.  I had
> > > > gstreamer in pidgin to be able to get sound.  I'm guessing that I
> > > > need gstreamer in pidgin to be able to set up a voice call in gtalk.
> > > > 
> > > > Is it the case that now one has to install gnome-base to be able to
> > > > use gstreamer?
> > > 
> > > Seems so, you'll need to check with upstream or with the code for more
> > > details; but it is just one small package though.
> > 
> > Sure, today it is just gnome-base, tomorrow I could end up *having*
> > to install systemd or whatever RHL and their developers have deemed
> > appropriate for your average desktop system.  I've masked the two
> > you suggested for now.
> 
>   The GNOME people have now made dbus a hard-coded dependancy of the
> latest gtk+.  systemd can't be far behind.  I've had dbus masked since
> it arrived approximately the same time as HAL.  Here's what I get when
> trying to update gtk+

I always thought that dbus is useful on a desktop system that is used to run, 
errm ... applications, and it doesn't violate the *nix design philosophy.  As 
far as I understand it is only trying to be an IPC manager.  I seem to recall 
that Poettering and co tweaked something in libdbus, but my knowledge is quite 
limited on all things Gnome.

Gnome devs decided in late 2012 to *not* make systemd a hard coded dependency, 
but look where we are now.  Without systemd needed/desirable functionality for 
a Gnome desktop won't work.  So, let's say that I tend to be sceptical on what 
might be used next as the thin end of the wedge.

-- 
Regards,
Mick