The Linux ecosystem

onebuck · 03-17-2015, 09:59 AM

Hi,

Recently;From "code of conduct"

Quote:

Developing within the world of Linux isn't always smiles, sharing, and kumbaya. Jack Wallen weighs in on the recent "code of conduct" patch submitted to the Linux kernel.

When one considers open source, it's fairly easy to imagine a world of designers, developers, and distributors getting along fabulously while sharing ideas and ideals like most people share memes on Facebook.
Unfortunately, the reality isn't quite so kumbaya or Ubuntu (as it were).
In fact, the Linux development community has recently had to adopt the means to resolve conflict between developers. The sad reality is that the infighting among the Linux developer community goes back... way back. I would like to believe the conflicts within the community have all arisen from choice -- or the incredible amount of choice available to the platform. Along with such choice comes opinion, and we all know where opinion leads. You can't get away from the old tried and true "My toys are better than your toys" fighting. However, that's not what this is all about -- it goes much deeper. This is infighting among the developers of Linux itself... the kernel. So, it's not just the old GNOME pointing a finger at KDE. This is serious, and it's been going on for a very long time.

Everyone should be aware of this situation as it reflects what's ongoing with our community.

Miati · 03-17-2015, 10:19 AM

Quote:

has recently had to adopt the means to resolve conflict between developers.

I disagree with that phrasing, no one has "had" to do anything.

I'm not sure if this is a positive change or not. Linux is not about delivering A+ customer service.
It's not about working as a team. In fact, from its roots linux has always been a incredibly selfish setup (I work on what I want, when I want).
The fact that it's free (freedom) doesn't contradict that.

Quote:

The sad reality is that the infighting among the Linux developer community goes back... way back.

Yes... it has... because conflicting ideas leads to infighting. How is this possibly a bad thing? It's obviously not efficient but who said that was a priority?

If you want a unified goal, with everyone smiling and working together to make the best product.. go work for Microsoft, or Apple.
Seriously. I like my developers with their own thoughts and their own personalities. Developers who can get credit for their work and work on what they want, when they want, how they want. I like tech support where people will get ticked off at you when you fail to use a search engine for a simple question. Endless debates about init systems. Diverging communities based on philosophical differences.
My priority is people who think, not people who get along.

Regulating how people may conduct themselves is a slippery slope to the depressing world of commercialized products and A+ customer support.

Just IMO..

onebuck · 03-17-2015, 12:19 PM

Hi,

Control is one thing but civility with control is how a project should be maintained. Not by brute force or anger towards someone that is attempting to provide enhancements. If one disagrees with something it can be noted without alienation(s).

I really do not think you understand true project management via positive interaction(s). To say "go to Microsoft" and work is not a solution. Professionals can interact in a positive cohesive manner without in-fighting or alienation. People who think and interact will provide more than a slave-Master who dominates. And yes we can interact on a project without causing harm or produce when someone projects negative non-production when things are handled in a forward looking future positive manager. Not by someone who screams "it's my ball and I am taking it and go home" like a spoiled playground bully.

Quote:

“Beware the fury of a patient man.” -Dryden

“Anger is a momentary madness, so control your passions or it will control you.” -Horace

“Anger blows out the lamp of the mind. In the examination of a great and important question, every one should be serene, slow-pulsed, and calm.” - Ingersoll

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” - Proverbs. XVI.32

Have fun & enjoy!

edbarx · 03-17-2015, 12:49 PM

I would say leave idealisations of how the world should be to philosophers. The real world is based on competition between species and members within the same species. It is also a continuous struggle for resources and attention. Anyone who had more than one dog knows how envious for attention they are: human beings, although intellectually highly evolved, still have these instincts which do shape their behaviour and also help them survive in difficult situations.

rob.rice · 03-19-2015, 02:44 PM

for a lot of developers it's a hobby they do it for fun
sad to say a good fight can be fun to
developers are human and one thing humans excel at is fighting
all though it may be ugly the kernel is coming along as it always has it's doing fine

it ante broke DON'T FIX IT !!