[Python-Dev] Re: PEP Politics (was Re: Re: Stability and change)

[Lance Ellinghaus]

> > You may be right, but you misunderstood what I was suggesting: I'm
> > simply talking about looking at the PEP from the perspective of Joe
> > Stupid Pythonista, figuring out where the screams are likely to come
> > from, and clarify the language or write pre-emptive rebuttals.
>
> And I'm saying that with the current user base, *anything* from me
> will cause outrage.
>
> --Guido van Rossum (home page: http://www.python.org/~guido/)

Guido,
    I would not worry so much about the current user base and their
"feelings". People that want to use Python will. You have always led the
direction of Python, and your choices have always been good for Python. That
is why you are the BDFL. With your guidance and vision for Python, you have
kept from turning into another Perl with all the "special case" language
"features." There have been many changes people have wanted, that would have
damaged the usability of the language even though they think it would have
improved it. Most of them are still using Python even though they
complained.
    I would not worry if people are outraged. Let them be. Most of the
people that are outraged do not know the history of Python, the previous
decisions that have been made. They just want it to be "their language."
    Continue to guide the development of Python and all will end up well.

Lance Ellinghaus