[License-review] moving to an issue tracker [was Re: Some notes for license submitters]

[Kyle Mitchell]

Allison,

Point well taken on volunteers and demands on their time.
That goes for license-review participants, as well as OSI
board members, I know.  And for you.  Again: Thank you!

My line certainly isn't that the board should ignore the
list in its process.  Frankly, I don't have anything to say
about the board's process, because as far as I can tell,
I've never invoked it.  I don't know how.

I've heard it three ways.  One is that the license review
process is about OSD conformance and nonproliferation, full
stop.  The list will discuss, but it's no gatekeeper.  The
second is that it would be all about OSD and proliferation,
if only I could achieve consensus on the mailing list first,
to reach the board.  The third is that it was never just
about OSD and nonproliferation, but rather the board does
what its members at the time think best for open source.  If
they see a license they like, they'll decide of themselves
to take a vote or send feedback.

The board could make its process predictable without
sacrificing the list's advisory value.  A variety of public
bodies use "notice and comment" to that effect regularly.

To sketch:  When a submission comes in, send an
acknowledgment on behalf of the board, outlining the current
process and calendar.  Take that opportunity to copy any
community members from whom the board would especially like
comment.  Set a comment period during which anyone can chime
in via the list.  After the comment period, have the board
discuss and send back their decision, along with any
comments or proposed changes.  Ask the proposer whether
they'd like to repeat or withdraw.  Failing to request a
repeat by a deadline ends the process.

A key feature:  Board members needn't engage during the
comment period.  They can review results at the end, and
together if they choose.

Another:  There's no process purgatory for submissions.
Every submissions is either in a comment period or withdrawn
as of a specific date.

Finally:  The board retains its ability to tap the knowledge
of the list.  Concerned members of the community remain free
to voice their views for all to see, and put it on the
public record.

-- 
Kyle Mitchell, attorney // Oakland // (510) 712 - 0933