Re: [gnu.misc.discuss,gnu.emacs.gnus] Free software: Packagers vs Developers
Rob Browning <rlb@cs.utexas.edu> wrote:
> I think this sorely underestimates the complexity involved in making a
> well-integrated distribution. Maybe he doesn't, but I'll be surprised
> if this is ever the norm.
<KIBITZ>
Actually, if all software is GNU software, it's doable.
GNU already has policy which is "close enough" to make this doable.
[With some changes here and there, but doable.]
However, Debian split from GNU over leadership issues a number of years
ago, and I see no signs of that rift being fixable.
Our current stance seems to be: GNU doesn't take precedence over anyone
else -- we'll work with them but on an informal basis.
Their stance seems to be: Debian is the freest distribution at the moment.
As long as that's true, they'll want to distribute Debian. If that
changes, they'll switch.
</KIBITZ>
More generally, I think it is a good idea for us to track upstream
packages as closely as possible, and feed bug reports and/or fixes to
the upstream developers in the style they prefer. And, to the degree
that Per is advocating this, I agree with him.
I don't think Per understands Debian well enough to be dictating our
overall structure, but if we can focus on the specific problems he's
trying to address I think we can improve things significantly.
--
Raul
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