> Cc: Debian Developers list <debian-devel@lists.debian.org>, > Debian policy list <debian-policy@lists.debian.org> > From: Manoj Srivastava <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: 27 Apr 1998 14:47:23 -0500 > Lines: 44 > > Hi,
Manoj Srivastava <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hmm. I think I like the idea of the policy documents being the > law, and the technical committee like the justices, who lay down > interpretations (which are referred to latter as and adjunct to prior > law). Exactly. I think the problem has arisen because 1) the policy documents have not sufficiently delineated the difference between prescriptive (shall, must) provisions and (strong) recommendations (should, must), and 2) because some (many?) developers disagree with some policy provisions and feel that they have had insufficient input in the process of formulating policy. Christian has started the process of rectifying the first item. I believe the remedy for the second point is _not_ to make policy some vague advisory document. I believe the remedy is to establish a more formal policy making process. It would probably be necessary to provide for some type of super-majority to establish prescriptive policy provisions, with, perhaps less support required for suggestive provisions. In some cases it seems that some developers have failed to read the lists for some lengthy period of time, then found that policy provisions had been adopted that they find objectionable. A formal policy making process should provide for a process to change it when the developer community agrees it is desirable. Bob -- _ |_) _ |_ Robert D. Hilliard <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> |_) (_) |_) Palm City, FL USA PGP Key ID: A8E40EB9 -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]