[Phpwebsite-developers] Procedural Issues

[Brian W. B. <br...@ap...>]

Some comments on the chain of command and procedural issues :)  I am the
Project Manager, but I am *often* very  busy doing other parts of my job, so
please note that Matt McNaney is second in command.  As we move forward I
fully expect that various developers will become the "resident expert" for
various components/code.  In these cases, these persons will be given final
say in those areas.

I also adhere to the concept that (apologies to Lao-Tzu) "A large project
should be managed like you would fry a small fish - lightly".  In other
words, we here at Appalachian really believe in an open development model
and thus so far the discussion has been productive and informative - people
have good ideas when you allow for it, which often means keeping your mouth
shut - if it is not painfully obvious, I am referring to myself here.  I do 
read all the posts to the development mailing list and I attempt to browse
the SF forums at least once per day.

> HOWEVER, I would like to ask for a clarification. My understanding is that
> Appalachian State University owns phpWebsite.

As someone on the list pointed out, "owns" is probably a little strong...
But we will make final decisions on any *major* changes to the
direction/goals/core code.

> In my mind, while suggestions, support, etc. should always be welcome,
> someone (or several) authorized by Appalachian State should in fact make
> decisions once they think they've received enough input.

So far, I feel the discussion part is working very well.  As a few of you
have pointed out, we do need to reach consensus on a few issues and simply
get to work.  I do not wish, however, to try to make these decisions based
solely on my reaction to posts on the developers list - some developers are
more vocal than others and quantity does not win over content.  As we
identify major issues that require a "decision", say database abstraction, I
would like to see active discussion/education/debate followed by a formal
vote.  I will either mail the developers directly, or post a call for a vote
on this list.  Votes should be mailed to me at br...@tu..., we
will compile the results and post them here.

> In any event, I'd like to know who has the authority to make the
> decisions, etc.

Myself (Brian Brown, Project Manager) and Matt McNaney.  As stated above,
others will be given final say regarding specific areas.

> But, it's probably a good idea to know how decisions will be made before
> something more contentious comes up.

Post, discuss, debate, vote.  I would like to stress that anyone can call
for a vote on practically anything, but votes should always be emailed to me
- just make sure the subject line is clear and consistent. The subject line
should be identified in the call for a vote.

I hope this clarifies some procedural issues.  If you were invited to be a
developer, you should have received an email from me with the subject line
"phpWebSite Roadmap".  Please review and respond at your earliest
convenience

Thanks once again to all of our new developers.  Your enthusiasm and ideas
are most welcome!

Kind Regards,
Brian Brown
phpWebSite Project Manager

--
Brian W. Brown
Internet Systems Architect, ESS
Student Development
Room 269, John Thomas Hall
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608

vox: 828-262-7124
fax: 828-262-2585