Re: Minutes of the GNOME Foundation Board meeting 28 November 2000

[George <jirka 5z com>]

On Thu, Nov 30, 2000 at 07:14:37AM -0800, Bart Decrem wrote:
> > ...One reason Miguel wanted the Sourceforge software was ACLs.
> > However a number of problems with using that software were also
> > brought up.
> 
> I don't have an opinion on ACLs, but I do want to point out that the lack
> of ACLs was used by Nat Friedman in the Foundation's Charter as a shining
> example of GNOME's Openness (our first "principle):

I also think that no ACLs is one of the reasons for GNOME success.  I think
trusting people makes those people think more about their actions.  While
several times there were some bad things that happened, those can happen with
ACLs as well, so ACLs do not completely prevent problems, yet they destroy
the openness of the gnome cvs.

I also think that if we start putting up barriers such as ACLs, it will
discourage people from working on GNOME projects.

> > The openness of GNOME has always been a point of pride for us, and an
> > important characteristic which distinguishes us from many of the other
> > open source projects out there. Anyone can become a contributor, write
> > access to our CVS does not involve trial by fire or other masonic
> > rituals, we don't use Access Control Lists, and we've always been
> > exceedingly good about folding talented newcomers in our arms and
> > welcoming them to the project. No resume required.
> 
> So we'd have to change that if we do decide to have ACLs.
> 
> I guess I'm asking that, if we get serious about having ACLs, we first
> discuss it on Gnome Hackers and keep in mind that it would require a
> change to the foundation's charter.

And not just a change of the foundation charter, but also a change of the
GNOME "culture" which is the more important thing.

George

-- 
George <jirka 5z com>
   She had lost the art of conversation, 
   but not, unfortunately, the power of speech.
                       -- George Bernard Shaw