I sent this to debian-vote initially since it is about platforms. Maybe discussion belongs in -project.
---- The Vancouver Prospectus, SCUD and "small teams" have given me pause for thought. On the surface, it seems that there cannot be much wrong with Debianers gathering together physically to talk and make decisions about the direction of the operating system. I personally had the good fortune to attend DebConf in Puerto Alegre and very much enjoyed meeting people, having drinks and all the other fine things that come from face-to-face meetings. Without a doubt, communication is much more fluid and productive in such a context. However, I have grave concerns about placing emphasis on face-to-face meetings as a methodology for moving the project forward. Could we accidentally create a "two class" society in the process? What will happen if we divide Debian into a group of those who can attend these meetings and those who cannot? Taking time off from work and traveling to a DebConf is a significant investment. For many Debianers (the majority, perhaps) this is an investment that is out of their reach or requires giving up a "normal" vacation. Create several "key gatherings" a year and only a "professional Debianer" will be able to keep up. You will either have to be independently wealthy or work for an organization with some direct financial interest in Debian. I didn't sign up for that. I could have run my business on Red Hat long ago. I want to "share the software" on a level playing field. We should focus our energies on electronic infrastructures. Tools such as the "testing" distribution. Electronic tools are accessable by everyone- whether they can walk well, can afford to fly or are good public speakers. We should design systems using tools that are equally accessible. Mailinglists, wikis and the usual fare should never be replaced with isolated face-to-face meetings sponsored by commercial vendors. Building concensus via the net *is* the revolutionary part of Debian. Face-to-face meetings have been around for thousands of years. They aren't new. They may be fun, but they lead to trouble. Automated systems enforce quality policies in a uniform way without getting frustrated, flaming people or retiring. You can't code favoritism into an electronic tool without it being plainly visible to the trained eye. Accounts that get special treatment, or have special capabilities, will be easy to spot and will require explanation. Certain users will always require "special powers" but in a social system influence becomes a matter of fuzzy logic rather than discrete fact. It is fun to meet in person. We should have big parties, big dinners, chances to get to know each other, make friends and have a drink. But let's try to make sure that attending such meetings never become a requirement for participation. That will kill something central to what we are. The world of politics between humans is well explored. It runs your government and your business. I put it to you that "small groups" doesn't add up to "loving relationships". In general, it leads to war. History tells this story again and again. I hope we can focus our group on discrete systems instead of cliques and cabals. With code, even the most antisocial person can distill good intentions into a tireless and helpful servant. Humans will always be subject to their personal failings and tantrums. Let's remember to be lazy programmers and leave everything we can to machines. When you vote, remember, code is more important than commercials. -- Ean Schuessler, CTO [EMAIL PROTECTED] 214-720-0700 x 315 Brainfood, Inc. http://www.brainfood.com -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
