On 09/29/2011 09:09 PM, Dennis E. Hamilton wrote:
It has been the practice, thus far, that all newly-invited committers are
invited to also be on the Podling Project Management Committee (PPMC). Some
decline being on the PPMC, some accept, some accept but don't actually show up
at the PPMC, etc.
A question was raised at the PPMC whether that practice should be continued.
One alternative would be to invite people to be committers and to invite
committers to become PPMC members separately.
Another alternative would be to decide on each individual consideration,
whether to invite as committer or as committer plus PPMC.
This discussion is to find out what the sentiments in the ooo-dev community are
on this subject. It is also a way to learn what your questions are and
endeavor to answer them.
- Dennis
SOME CONTEXT
The initial committers, those who were signed up on the original podling
proposal, are automatically grandfathered into the project as committers and
PPMC members. There are still some of those who have not shown up, some have
submitted iCLAs but not gone farther, some do not respond to follow-up e-mails
etc. Although there was discussion here on ooo-dev about having an use-by date
on the Initial Committer invitations, action has not been taken to offer a
last-chance and a deadline at this point. (I think that has been my action; I
have not given it any priority.)
MY PREFERENCE
Since, I am speaking first, here's my view.
My preference is to continue the current practice of inviting contributors to
be both committers and members of the PPMC. I have seen it recommended for
Podlings and I see no reason to suddenly change. Also, I expect there will be
some culling of the PPMC on graduation to a top-level project and a PMC.
I have seen no harm in the practice whatsoever. There has been no injury or
damage no matter what apprehensions there are about having a wide membership in
the PPMC.
The current practice exposes more contributors to the workings of the PPMC, and
it also provides a way for contributors who are not exclusively focused on
development to offer their contributions in yet another way. Part of the
challenge of the incubator is to develop a sustainable activity for continuing
renewal of participation in the face of contributor, committer, and PPMC member
turnover. It is the initial PPMCs challenge to foster that and live it.
The way to develop a resilient, sustainable project, is to keep PPMC membership
open to new committers for now.
That's one view. There are many more. What are they?
I think the current practice of offering committer and PPMC should
continue. People can decline PPMC if they do not wish to participate in
that.
I came here as one of the original PPMC. New to both Apache and OOo
development as a participant.
I DO think the PPMC carries additional responsibility. Not to come and
go, but be here every day, going through the lists, staying current,
commenting and voting when necessary.
I spend countless hours on this list looking for ways to contribute.
Mostly reading, sometimes commenting, and doing something when I can.
If the discussion is in an area I feel is better left to others , I stay
out of it. I think that will be the way most will be.
Best regards,
Carl
