Re: Directory structure suggestion for configuration in /etc

[rhys]

> Right now, the model we have is "some packages use the empty /etc model,
> some packages install commented-out defaults, and there's no
> consistency". I'd love to move to the model of "all packages use
> whichever model the sysadmin prefers".

As a long-time sysadmin - and following on my previous message - I think this 
is a waste of time.

Speaking as a sysadmin, I MUST ACCEPT the fact that I don't write this code.  
This is not my code.  I can't always have my way.  If the developer for a 
package decides that a different way is best for their package, so be it.

As the old saying goes:

"Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."

There's a reason the "serenity" line is first.  Most of the time, it is not 
worth the effort to try to change something determined by others for their own 
reasons.

There are *thousands* of software packages out there.

It is not my business as a sysadmin to tell them all how to arrange their 
config files, excepting cases where their choices cause real problems.  
(Configs that are mode 777 is a real problem.  Configs that live in /etc are 
not.)

I don't think it is necessary for Debian package maintainers to spend this much 
effort to cater to personal preferences.

I don't think it is necessary for Debian package maintainers to SQUASH personal 
preferences, either.

Both cases are extra work toward unreasonable goals.

There's far more work to be done that matters far more than the placement of 
files in /etc.

--J