Binary package hint: ubiquity
The Ubuntu installer consists of several rather tricky steps, and people can bail out of the process at any time before clicking "Install". We have a reasonable suspicion that the partitioning step is the most difficult, but beyond that, if people give up, we have very little idea of why.
This could be fixed by introducing an ubuntu.com database that stores basic information about someone cancelling the installation: what step they cancelled on, and any reason they provided.
Then we could prompt people who close the installer window, asking them why they're doing so. We should do this only when (a) there is a working Internet connection, and (b) the ubuntu.com server has responded positively to Ubiquity asking it whether it is accepting feedback. (Probably we would turn this on just for a day or two each cycle.)
Mozilla does a similar thing for Firefox: <http://blog.mozilla.com/metrics/2009/07/30/an-improved-experience-for-2000000-non-firefox-users/>
I agree. However, I'm keen to hear Colin's thoughts before we start a conversation with IS about implementing this.
Matthew, do you think it would be sufficient to put a URL widget with the text "Let us know why you are quitting the install." below the dialog text and above the Cancel / Quit buttons? Or do you think we would be better off with a secondary dialog like the one Mozilla uses?