Re: Has Debian abandoned Python?

[Frans Pop <elendil@planet.nl>]

I think the proper subject for this mail would have been:
   Does the Python maintainer still have Debian as his priority? [1]

Shifting priority seems to be a fairly common pattern (to differing 
degrees) for DDs employed by Canonical.

Not at all surprising of course, and not even something to hold against 
them. When someone has an employer that sets very ambitious release 
targets and schedules, it will be very clear where his/her priorities are. 
Especially in the month or two months immediately leading up to an Ubuntu 
release.

Additional problem is that when you're employed to work on Ubuntu, any work 
on Debian is very, very similar to the paid work, which makes it harder to 
keep up the "volunteer" work.

IMO the solution is simple. *We* as the Debian project should make sure 
that core packages of *our* distribution are maintained by people who's 
first priority is Debian, and not another distribution.

Of course anybody can have real life (as in paid work) interfering with 
volunteer work, but when the paid work is for another (competing) 
distribution, the conflict of interest is much more obvious and harmful to 
Debian thatn it would be for other employment and thus we have be more 
vigilant and be more ready to ensure the continuity of the maintenance of 
our packages by actively transferring (lead) maintainership.

From what I've seen about Python maintenance in this and earlier threads it 
seems clear that action is warranted. We have had similar situations in 
the past that have taken *way* to long to resolve. Let's not delay any 
longer this time.

Let's simply give Matthias an ultimatum for presenting a plan for Python in 
Debian and (both action and timeline). If he fails to provide that or if 
the Debian project is not happy with the plan, others get to take over the 
lead in maintaining it.

There's nothing personal in that. The simple question is: do you still want 
to maintain Python *for Debian*, and are you willing to commit to the 
effort needed to do that properly. If not, thanks a lot for all your work 
in the past, but it's time to move on and hand over to others.

If different maintainers take over the lead, there is no reason why 
Matthias could not remain involved, but that would be something the new 
maintainers and he should work out.

Cheers,
FJP

[1] IMO this question is fair since Matthias is listed as sole maintainer 
for Python packages.