[python-committers] Pace of change for Python 3.x

[Neil Schemenauer]

On 2017-01-25, A.M. Kuchling wrote:
> I think this is the next frontier for Python maintenance; we need
> full-time core maintainers, no third parties are funding any such
> developers, and the PSF doesn't seem interested in pursuing that.

IMHO, the PSF should be doing it.  I don't know exactly how the
Linux Foundation works but my superficial understanding is that the
LF gets funding mostly from big companies and then directly pays
some Linux developers.  Most notable, Linus is paid by the LF.

Probably it is hard to attract and retrain top talent with a
Patreon-like donation system.  Software hackers are an eclectic
group so some of them would prefer that system.  However, I would
guess the majority would prefer more stable employment. 

Regarding PEP 407, I agree the LTS periods need to be longer.
Certainly we can't force core developers into doing maintenance.
However, there should be a process for an officially blessed LTS
release.  As a project, we should decide that it is worthwhile and
figure out how to help make it happen.

I guess we could decide that we don't want to do LTS releases.  I
would accept that.  Personally I think it would be a huge mistake,
especially at this point.  Python 2.7 is poised to become the
ultimate LTS release of Python.  I fear if we can't get more people
to upgrade in the next few years, Python will be forever fractured
into two communities.