[Koha] Request to the community

[Krishnan M]

(Perhaps someone with more mileage in the Koha world should champion this....)
 
I would like to request that we (as a community) take some positive steps to advance Koha in the light of recent (heated) discussion about changes to Koha possibly not making it back into core in good time for use by the largest possible number of users.
 
Personally, i am convinced we will all be better off if we ensure a vibrant culture of contribution. Let's think about and put in place mechanisms that help this.
 
The business end of the discussion, first:
 
For example, 
1) Let's create a process for everyone developing specific features by themselves to publish outlines of the same (using an RFC format, for example).. This can include vendor development sponsored by customers.
2) The process may allow for conceivable time offsets/delays, and certain other provisions for protecting the interests of the customers, including confidentiality, competitive considerations, etc.
3) As part of this process, participants can include commitments to contribute upto (or not less than) a particular portion of such additions
4) The process will include tracking that will self-report over a period of time how participants are keeping up (planned vs. actual), or even for the community to "report" on  what they think is happening
5) While it may be inadvisable or infeasible to "throw the licensing book at" people, the important news always makes it out sooner or later...especially within the community
 
Let's be careful to avoid even the slightest hint of "policing". We want this to be a friendly exchange. 
 
*BOLD* I am willing to bet anything that participants will benefit many times more than what they "put in" *BOLD*
 
Now, onto other 'softer' aspects:
 
Let's stop casting aspersions and bashing people/vendors, etc. on the list. The negative energy does no good.
 
i like to adopt a simple philosophy to contributing to open source: There's nothing to lose (and conversely, nothing to gain...this latter might need some explanation, but later...). All of us have our own reasons for doing what we do, and no one needs sit 'in judgement' over others.
 
Also, all feedback is welcome, so long as we use it constructively: 
When someone says 'Koha is good', i feel nice. 
When someone says 'Koha is not upto scratch', i feel even better: here's an opportunity to learn from them what exactly is it about Koha that can be improved to change that opinion in substance!
 
Koha would not be what it is without the participation of every one that was ever involved, one way or another, and i mean that in the widest possible sense.
 
Best regards,
krishnan


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