_My_ Thoughts (was Re: [Foundation] my thoughts)

[Peter Saint-Andre]

On Thu, Jul 10, 2003 at 07:21:23PM -0400, Evan Prodromou wrote:

> I think the Jabber community, and specifically the JSF, is incredibly
> strong and mature organizationally now. Rigorous discussion of
> technical issues makes sure that designs don't have glaring holes that
> come out only at implementation time. Conflict makes better designs.
> 
> And I think dealing with organizational issues -- even ones seemingly
> as trivial as the name of the organization itself -- strengthen the
> foundation.
> 
> We have good procedures for dealing with dissent. Sometimes dissenting
> opinions are integrated into the mainstream and compromises are
> reached. Other times, no compromise is reached, and we have to go to a
> vote to make a decision. Then we're done, and we move on.
> 
> I think it'd be a lot worse if we _didn't_ have dissent, and if we
> didn't work through that dissent with good discussions. 

Precisely. My previous email was sent mainly to shake people out of
their complacency. I do think we're doing a good job, and I don't really
think we need to disband the JSF. But if can't ask a question that
radical, we're in trouble. We must always remember that the JSF, like
any other organization, is merely a tool that enables individuals to
work together building the protocols, software, network, and community
that we've all come to know and love.

--stpeter