Gnome does need direction
This is something that the KDE boys do better than us. We really need both per-release goals, as well as goals for the 2.x series.
I know that stuff only get's done when there is someone to code, but having a list will make it easier for people.
I also think that we need a methadology for starting new programs. Something closer to the way it's done in "Designing from both side of the screen". ie. The UI and functionality would be designed first on the lists and then the coding could begin..
Now to Haloween...... *witches cackle*