Hey opensource-dev@,

Well, no lack of passion here recently. I want to let you know that we're 
paying very close attention and we're prepared to make some changes to how we 
manage our open development projects and work with the community.

First, our intent:

- We are going to start moving more of our Viewer development into the open. 
This means that some LL engineers will be working in a development branch that 
is in the open, viewable by all, and that communication and design activity for 
these projects will happen in the open. Over time, if it goes well, it may even 
become most viewer development. Q will start a separate thread with a proposal 
on branching strategy shortly.

- We will continue to do some private internal development downstream of the 
external branch. As you know, we use some libraries that cannot be public. 
Also, we are obligated to protect our Second Life trademark, so the external 
branch will remain branded Snowglobe, not Second Life.

- We will occasionally have projects where we defer communicating about them 
because we are still sorting out the business model or because we haven't 
gathered our own thoughts about design goals or requirements. We will endeavor 
to get opensource-dev@ involved as soon as is practical.

- We have just gotten started thinking about Firefly. Our intent is not to 
exclude you, we just simply aren't ready to talk about it because we're busy 
with other things and gathering our own thoughts. Please be patient and assume 
good intent. 

And there are few things we need in return:

- We need some better behavior on this list. While many folks have been 
constructive and helpful, many have not. Quite simply, if you can not remain 
civil, professional and constructive, please go elsewhere. Repeat offenders may 
be put under moderation.

- We'd like your help finding candidates for a full-time leader of our open 
development initiative. Please see the job description here.

- If you are going to contribute to Snowglobe, you will need to complete the 
Second Life Viewer Contribution Agreement. While not everyone is comfortable 
with it, we need to do it to protect our business interests. It also protects 
you. I'll draft off of Sun's FAQ and this FSF page on the topic.

I'm sure lots of commentary will follow, and I hope it's all constructive and 
in the spirit of working better together.

Regards,
Howard

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