Hi guys, I'm writing this as I'm currently unhappy about how this project operates
I want to recall some elements about the way we work at The Apache Software Foundation, not that you don't know about those rules, but I'd like us to stick to the spirit of those rules, something I think we have lost a bit those last months.
First, everything is stated on http://www.apache.org/foundation/how-it-works.html
1)"Communication" is done via mailing lists. That means, if it's not on the mailing list, then it hasn't happened. Tell what you are doing, why you are doing it, and get approved (no dissents means it's approved). If you like ot experiment, then do it in a branch.
2) "Decision Making". Most of the time, it's enough to explain the rational about the changes, and we reach consensus.We can disagree, and we can vote in this case. Veto are acceptable, they are usually just a signal sent, not as a punitive action. Of course, vetoes must be sustained by some technical ground.
3) "Philosophy". Out of the six points listed on the web page, I'd like to stress out one of them : - "respectful, honest, technical-based interaction". This left no room for personal attacks on public fora, like the mailing list or IRC. Such attacks, being valid or not, this is not the problem, are not part of the Apache Way, final. We are human beings, we have feelings, and they're not always pure and nice, but there's not excuse for not being respectful to others,especially on public channels.
4) "Individuals compose the ASF". That means you are on your own when you do or write something. No action dictated by the company you are working with will be tolerated.
I'd like everyone to understand that we are working on an Apache project because we enjoy doing so, because it's technically challenging, because we feel that we are changing the world in our area, and also because this is a place we don't feel any pressure nor agenda.
If you don't feel like one of those rules applies to you, then you are free to find another place to play. On the other hand, we all do mistakes. We are human beings. Excuses don't remove the grieves, but they help forgiving. So please before expressing some feelings, think twice and use some proper language.
Thanks ! -- Regards, Cordialement, Emmanuel Lécharny www.iktek.com
