Hey- So, I'm picking up the GeoExt governance proposal again.
Please see the links below for a history of the issue [1], [2]. The executive summary follows: GeoExt is a new project that brings OpenLayers functionality to Ext JS widgets and data utilities. The GeoExt PSC would like to assign copyright for the code to OSGeo. OSGeo suggested that out of courtesy, the GeoExt PSC make a proposal to an OSGeo member project asking the member project to accept a role in the governance of the new project. The responsibilities of this role (for the OpenLayers PSC and for the GeoExt PSC) are described here: http://www.geoext.org/trac/geoext/wiki/governance What does this mean for the OpenLayers PSC? ------------------------------------------- The OpenLayers PSC will ask the GeoExt PSC to provide evidence that code contributions are free from encumbrances. Further, the OpenLayers PSC will provide guidance to the GeoExt PSC if it appears that GeoExt is in violation of any other criteria of an OSGeo member project. What does this means for the GeoExt PSC? ---------------------------------------- The GeoExt PSC will gather signed license agreements from code contributors. It will provide a report (periodically or generated on demand) all contributors and status of their CLA. In addition, the GeoExt PSC will continue to govern the project in a way that conforms with the guidelines for OSGeo member projects. What does this *not* mean? -------------------------- The OpenLayers PSC will *not* be responsible for examining the commit logs, tracking down code contributors, asking individuals to sign the CLA, or any duties that have to do with technical aspects of managing the GeoExt project. The OpenLayers PSC will also *not* vote on issues before the GeoExt PSC. Why is this happening? ---------------------- See the links below for a little history. Basically, anyone can assign copyright to OSGeo. Frank Warmerdam suggested that the OSGeo would probably be happier about having copyright assigned if a current member project accepted some role in the governance of the new project (the one assigning copyright). OSGeo doesn't have any real responsibility for the non-member projects that assign it copyright. By extension, OpenLayers does not assume any real liability under this agreement (its status as a member project is not jeopardized if the terms of the agreement are not met). This is largely a courtesy to the OSGeo. So, as a member of the OpenLayers PSC, I'd like to propose that we accept this role in the governance of the GeoExt PSC. I'm happy to answer any more specific questions about what this means. Thanks for the vote and/or questions. Tim [1] http://n2.nabble.com/copyright-question-td2088465.html [2] http://n2.nabble.com/proposal-for-GeoExt-governance-td2477185.html -- Tim Schaub OpenGeo - http://opengeo.org Expert service straight from the developers. _______________________________________________ Dev mailing list Dev@openlayers.org http://openlayers.org/mailman/listinfo/dev
