Re: [gentoo-project] Comrel Improvements: Expectations of Privacy

[Gregory Woodbury]

It has become clear that William has a problem with the way that
comrel is dealing with the existing rules. He wants the rules to
be changed, which is not a problem in and of itself, but he wants
them changed before he will actually be in a positions to get
the changes effected.

It has been said several times in several places that history
shows some "errors" occurred in dealing with William and
others. There is obviously some room for the process to be
fixed, but that it cannot and will not be changed just for this
case.  It does not make sense for the process to be changed
just because one person doesn't want to comply with the
current rules.

Were I the one applying, I would just drop any blather about history
and changing the rules immediately, and do the necessary technical
work to become a developer.  Then, once having the necessary
status, I would introduce a discussion in some appropriate forum
to get the rules changed so that future problems don't happen.

William has stated that he has a problem with the rules as they
stand, and he cannot (will not) comply with them as a matter of
principle.  That is unfortunate, as it puts the cart before the horse,
and basically says, I want to offer your this precious talent I have
for the project, but I want a special dispensation before I will deign
to give it to you.

I agree that the history of the whole affair is sordid and marks a
problem with the process. However, I know enough about group
politics to realize that one can't demand a special exemption just
so that a theoretical contribution might be made.

It has been said that William is both his best and his own worst
advocate. It is now clear that William feels that he cannot give
his talent to Gentoo until he gets his way.

William: concentrate on the process and realize that you will
not get your way until after you show that you can deal with
the structure as it stands at the moment.  It will not be until
you show that you can deal with it that you will be given an
opportunity effect a change.

While there are clear problems, this particular case is dragging
on to ridiculous extremes, and I can see that it is not going to
end well for ANYONE involved.

-- 
G.Wolfe Woodbury
redwolfe@×××××.com