From https://www.debian.org/devel/wnpp/, we can see:
The number 1190 is almost 10% of the total package number in
Debian.
There is so much orphaned packages is not a good thing for a Linux distribution.
During the adopting packages, you also need do some work about:
import old package source code to salsa,
patching,
old bug fix and explorer,
update to newer upstream version,
feedback the questions,patches when packaging to upstream author,
collaboration with sponsors, QA team, other package team.
clear bug in BTS, also need communication to end users.
I'd already do these work recently.:-)
By saying housekeeping, it means doing works that does not change the package behavior that would affect the user experience. For example changing the DH compat and fix lintian warnings by updating the packaging. These works are friendly to new comers, but people are not encouraged to adopt the package if main intention is updating these stuff. Adopting packages usually requires more dedication than slightly updating the packaging, rather you will need to invest more time on keeping it in good shape in the long run. By adopting them you become the maintainer and you have the ultimate responsibility to the quality of that package in Debian. Regards, Aron
-- 肖盛文 Faris Xiao 微信：atzlinux ＱＱ：909868357 铜豌豆 Linux 基于 Debian 的 Linux 中文桌面操作系统：https://www.atzlinux.com
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