Openness: Apache as a guiding model (was Re: GFS removed??? )

[Jeff Spaleta]

On Thu, 17 Mar 2005 19:02:49 +0100, Axel Thimm <Axel.Thimm at atrpms.net> wrote:
> So that's why the list is closed and important content is moving
> there.

I think you and I have very different definitions of closed. Putting
the semantics of open/closed terminology aside for a minute.. I don't
think its irrational to expect people who are actively contributing to
Extras to have a prominent say in how the policies of Extras are
implemented.  There is a way for you to become a part of that peer
group, and have a seat at the table.  If you don't desire to be a
contributor , that's understandable. But you have to realize that if
you choose not to become one you most likely have less impact on how
the system evolves as decisions are being made.

Back to the issue of 
Would you call Apache's organizational structure closed?
Apache Foundation has several mailinglists that are committer only:
http://www.apache.org/foundation/mailinglists.html
Several of those Foundation lists.. aren't even publicly accessible
for review. And yet I would call Apache an open, collaborative,
community process.. which is exactly what Apache calls themselves. If
you feel Apache isn't an open process either... fine.. "open" is
rather open to intepretation. Just be aware that what's going inside
Fedora is not out-of-step with how Apache organizes things and
calibrate your indignation accordingly.  In Apache's model a committer
is nearly the same as what an Extras contributor is defined to be
right now:
http://www.apache.org/foundation/how-it-works.html#committers
And Apache's "Foundation Community Mailing List" seems very much like
the Fedora's "fedora-maintainers" list to me. Committer equivalent
level access.. with a public archive for review.

You are free to continue to stand outside the process, if becoming a
maintainer isn't something you desire, but please let's dial down the
sensationalized language about open versus closed like its a black and
white issue.

-jef