[Python-Dev] Encouraging developers

[Stephen J. Turnbull]

George Brandl writes:

 >> As far as I recall, there has been nearly no one who asked for
 >> commit rights recently, so why complain that the entry barrier is
 >> too great? Surely you cannot expect python-dev to got out and say
 >> "would you like to have commit privileges?"...

Why not?  It depends on how far out "out" is, but I was surprised how
much effect we (at XEmacs) got by simply asking people who contributed
a couple of patches if they would like to take on tracking + patch
flow management for their own patches in return for direct access to
the repository.  Giving out authority to approve commits is another
matter, but as long as the new people are willing to participate in
the mechanics it's generally a management win to have more committers.

The answer is more often than not "no, but *thanks for asking*."
Merely asking creates an atmosphere of openness and trust.  That's a
lot, when simply asking that developers of patches consider third
parties' use cases is attacked as a "high barrier" to participation.

And of course it's the most common path to greater authority.