Re: call for ftpmaster's transparency
Spiritually I really would like to see a transparent workflow of the FTP
team. If it were a couple years ago I may stand in the same position as
you. But now I'd kindly invite you to review the FTP team workflow (I
joined the FTP team in order to review it), review the functionalities
of dak (at least we trainees depend on it, which means what dak can do
directly decides whether the process can be made transparent), and think
of the possible ways we can make things better.
That could provide us a more constructive start. Isn't it?
Sam, IMHO DPL does not have to lead every important topics in this
community, as that would be exhausting.
On Thu, Feb 06, 2020 at 10:32:42AM +1100, Dmitry Smirnov wrote:
> IMHO it is disturbing that one of the most essential processes in Debian
> -- acceptance of new and modified packages -- operates almost in secrecy.
>
> Unlike most Debian teams, ftp-masters communicate in private mail list.
> I understand why security team might need to operate without full public
> disclosure but I see no reason for ftp-masters to avoid transparency.
> Wouldn't it be easier to understand what to expect if everyone could see
> how team operates?
>
> To make matters worse ftp-masters rarely leave their comments in ITP
> issues. As I've recently learned that have profound effect on processing of
> new packages.
>
> One of my packages spent a year in the NEW queue at some point raising to
> position number 4. Apparently before release of Buster (2019-07-06) member
> of ftp-masters team left an internal (invisible to the public) comment on
> my package that was not communicated to me until 7 months later when my
> package was rejected based on that comment. The comment could have been
> addressed without delay if it was left on the corresponding ITP issue where
> it belong.
>
> A precious time was lost but more importantly one can see that current
> process requires an extra effort to communicate with maintainers -- a
> something that would not be necessary if ftp-masters use the official
> channel that exist specifically to discuss introduction of new packages --
> ITP bug reports.
>
> I'd like Debian project leader to engage in the matter of improving
> transparency of ftp-masters team operations and procedures.
>
> As very minimum I recommend to change current ftp-master procedures to use
> ITP bugs instead of internal comments whenever possible, for the sake of
> transparency and to optimise communication.
>
> I want to encourage a public discussion regarding opening of the ftp-master
> mail list to the public. Currently reasons for unjustified secrecy of ftp-
> master processes is not explained...
>
> https://wiki.debian.org/Teams/FTPMaster
> https://wiki.debian.org/NewQueue
>
> --
> All the best,
> Dmitry Smirnov.
>
> ---
>
> Honesty is a gift we can give to others. It is also a source of power and
> an engine of simplicity. Knowing that we will attempt to tell the truth,
> whatever the circumstances, leaves us with little to prepare for. We can
> simply be ourselves.
> -- Sam Harris
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