Leo -
I used to think that was important, too. But, honestly, I don't anymore. There is nothing that I need to contact "the core" about and nothing that they, as a group, should feel a need to discuss with me. We have no relationship or need of one.
I believe the core serves a function, but, it is a "lightweight" administrative and operational function with some limited workgroup interaction within Joomla!. They make some structural decisions but I think LOTS of REALLY IMPORTANT decisions and directions are starting to be made in the workgroups by talented and willing non-core people engaged in work who are emerging from the crowd (take the recent growth in security for a hugely positive example or the growth in the development ranks - check out the names on the SVN each night - check out how much code is generated by the dude who "quit!")
And look how
cooperative involved core members are with spreading this power. It is smart for Joomla!. The core is a textbook example of what a true “flattened management structure” should look like. By creating a pipeline to the core, we are strengthening a false illusion of a "central processing unit" or a "government" and that is simply not necessary and would be counterproductive.
The developers work together on where they want the software to go -- it is in their best interest to listen to their end user community – to build up their developer community – to understand the industry -- and lead on, in that area. The other workgroups should do the same. So should each of us as individuals; sometimes, acting alone, sometimes as teams or groups.
Given the GPL, we are free to do what we want with Joomla! People with ideas do not need permission or blessing or coordination with the core. No one is "in charge," we are a cooperative community of free and equal people who share interest in this software. If Brad gets tired of us, he can kick us out of the forums. But, no one can keep us from the software or from continuing to network with others or to learn and grow. We are free.
Structurally, I think the one thing we are missing is an ombudsman function, or a grievance process, for helping to make certain people have a “last resort” opportunity to resolve problems instead of feeling it is imperative to leave. But, in a free and open community such as this, people are free to rise up, work together, and build this role, if they can also built the reputation needed to have people respect the role and recognize its importance and use the service.
The core probably couldn't help it more than anyone else because the core has no power over anyone to force them to comply. They are not our bosses or fathers and mothers or our Kings and Queens. Eventually, the core ought to become that four-year community service "opportunity" you hope no-one taps you on the shoulder for and BEGS you to volunteer.
Frankly, I am at a loss to come up with one single reason I would want to address the group and
other than the valid reason Gasoline is raising for “group to group” communication. I can’t think why anyone should address the group. I know it seems like there SHOULD be reasons, but, when you really think about it, what are those reasons?
It is also obvious they don’t want to be approached as a group, because they have never invited comment as a group or made themselves available as a group. And, we all live too far away from one another for a company picnic or to take a group photo, so…?
Do you kind of see what I am saying, Leo? What do you think? Why should the group be available for communication? I'm curious how far off my thinking is.
Amy
@Brad - sometimes I don't know what you mean in some of your responses. To be honest, sometimes, it seems more like a "brush off" or "smoothing things over" than a genuine answer. So, what do you think? Why are you guys organized in such a way that it is nearly impossible to "talk" to you
as a group?
Obviously, you don't have to answer. And, maybe you have not given it much thought. It's a tough question, but, I am curious, I guess, in anyone on the core team's response. It doesn't really matter because I do not think it really changes anything, but, I think it would be very interesting to hear comments from you guys on core about this. For curiosity sake, if nothing else!
Thanks! Amy
BTW - as a favor - if you don't like this post or its off-topic or stupid or whatever - just delete it. Don't hack away at it, okay? I am not trying to be negative or cause trouble and maybe my thinking is really out there, but, it is sincere.
