On Wed, 27 Sep 2000, Julian Gilbey wrote: > I was asked by one of my applicants why Debian is unlike other OSS > projects, requiring an identification and philosophy check, etc. I > explained to him the reasons as I see them, but I think it would be a > good idea to put them on the front page of the NM corner > (http://www.debian.org/devel/join/newmaint), immediately after the > "Contents" section. Something like (only in sketch form today): > Good idea ;-)
> Why does Debian require the NM process? > > - developers have to be trusted: root on lots of boxes, no automatic > peer review or checking of uploads, etc. > - developers much more independent than in a "single piece of > software" project > - so big mistakes or malice are in general much more serious than in a > small OSS project > - so Debian needs to attempt to ensure that potential developers are > competent and identifiable -> accountable. > - To assure the Debian community that accepted applicants agree with our principles and goals, reducing the contention over these issues. - Because one person can no longer do the job, some "proceedures" become necessary to assure others in the process that the necessary steps have been taken. Luck, Dwarf -- _-_-_-_-_- Author of "The Debian Linux User's Guide" _-_-_-_-_-_- aka Dale Scheetz Phone: 1 (850) 656-9769 Flexible Software 11000 McCrackin Road e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tallahassee, FL 32308 _-_-_-_-_-_- See www.linuxpress.com for more details _-_-_-_-_-_-_-