At 08:01 04.01.2002 -0500, Geir Magnusson Jr. wrote: >> The debate about code conventions is just an excuse to ask the >> following question, and it is a question: >> >> Do we want to instate rules for the good of the larger community? >> > >I think yes, but the prepositional phrase "for the good of the larger >community" is going to be the trouble spot... Historically always has :) > >> We keep saying that Jakarta is not SourceForge. How can this be if >> each project can act totally independently? > >Because they really can't act *totally* independently, additional projects >can't be formed (and abandoned) ad hoc by 'outsiders', there is indeed peer >pressure (as well mechanical things like Gump) that enforce some >consistency, and lots of cross pollenation. I mean, Jon is everywhere ;) > >>From my personal experience, I do think of it as one big community but >different 'departments'. I talk to people from many of the subprojects when >I need something or have a question, and I certainly feel welcome and like >it's one big group.
That's a good description. >Another thought I have on this is that we are sort of like sourdough bread >made with a starter :) We add new projects, but it's (usually) initiated, >championed and/or participated in by someone steeped in the Apache/Jakarta >'gestalt', so the traditions and practices continue. The reasons for which projects get accepted or rejected is an important subject in itself. >> Remember the scene where Lisa, from the Simpons, is thrown out of >> music class even of she plays her sax beautifully. We all emphasize >> with Lisa's view. However, what would you do if you were in the >> teacher's shoes? > >(I thought you were going to the scene : "Lisa, get away from that Jazz >man!" ) Oh, yes, then she (Maggie) turns to the to the Jazz man and says: "Nothing personal, I just fear the unfamiliar." How true, how succinct. >Well, that's the difference between the teacher having to do something about >it, and Principal Skinner listening in over the intercom and getting Lisa to >leave.... Within the community, the community is the teacher, and can >legislate itself (modulo Principal Skinner, of course...) Amusingly enough that episode starts with Bart writing on the chalkboard: I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! I will not instigate revolution! Regards, Bart. -- Ceki Gülcü - http://qos.ch -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For additional commands, e-mail: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
