[ogb-discuss] OpenSolaris processes

[Al Hopper]

On Mon, 7 Jan 2008, Garrett D'Amore wrote:

> Stephen Lau wrote:
>> Garrett D'Amore wrote:
>>> A strongly worded mandate would be better than remaining quiet on
>>> it.  Ultimately, the tools we need to manage code commits must be
>>> openly available.  One thing OGB can do is form a task group or
>>> committee to work on addressing this need if it appears that a
>>> resolution on the Sun internal tool is not forthcoming.
>>> An OGB that is completely impotent to enact or enforce anything is
>>> not terribly useful, and I think it would be good for all involved if
>>> the OGB became a little more proactive versus reactive.  (In other
>>> words, I think we ... by that I mean myself and I believe many other
>>> members of the community ... expect OGB to fill more than just a
>>> judicial role for the community at large.)
>>>
>> The charter and the constitution are seemingly at odds here.  The
>> charter leaves a fairly broad view (IMHO) for what the OGB's role and
>> responsibilities are, in other words: a more proactive role.  The
>> constitution that the community voted into place pretty strictly
>> defines the OGB's role as a reactive/judicial role, and the OGB - for
>> better or for worse - has stood by that measure so far this term.
>
> If the constitution is limiting the OGB, and no other proactive body
> fills the need, then perhaps we need an amendment to create or empower
> such a body.

+1

> Loosely organized anarchy is not helpful to the project, IMO, and the
> total absence of governed power may wind up leaving one more
> contributors to fill that power vacuum as it sees fit.  While some might
> argue this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I don't believe it is quite
> what most of the membership were looking to either.

Agreed.  I've always felt that a more proactive OGB is necessary.
On a project the size of OpenSolaris, I strongly doubt that part-time 
volunteer OGB members can devote the necessary time and energy to 
assure the continued healthiness of the project.  At the very least, 
we need one or more OGB members to be able to consider their OGB 
duties as a full-time "job".

Kudos to the current OGB members - who, by now, are probably anxiously 
awaiting the upcoming 2008 OGB elections .... :)

And, as a favor[1], I'd like to ask the current OGB to prepare a 2007 
OGB "lessons learned" (aka a de-brief) report before their current 
term expires.  I think that capturing their collective experience and, 
possibly a set of recommendations for the new 2008 board, would be 
very useful to the entire community.

[1] as if they don't already have enough to do!  Apologies OGB 
members for yet another request!

Regards,

Al Hopper  Logical Approach Inc, Plano, TX.  al at logical-approach.com
            Voice: 972.379.2133 Fax: 972.379.2134  Timezone: US CDT
OpenSolaris Governing Board (OGB) Member - Apr 2005 to Mar 2007
http://www.opensolaris.org/os/community/ogb/ogb_2005-2007/
Graduate from "sugar-coating school"?  Sorry - I never attended! :)