On 6/21/2021 2:31 PM, Christopher Barker wrote:

By contrast, requiring a github account for reporting bugs also makes
python an unwelcoming place for non-developers in general. Github is a
developers' social network, "mere" users are much less likely to want to
be part of it. Many will just silently abandon their bug report.

But you don’t need to be “part of it” in any meaningful way. One only needs to create an account, which could be quite anonymous, and even temporary.

And is no harder, and probably easier, than creating an account on a Python-specific site.

Also: cPython is a large, complex, and mature project. I don't think many non-developers can even identify a true bug, much less write a helpful big report. There are many other ways to be involved in and contribute to the Python community that don't require a gitHub (or any) account.

I understand the issue here — I feel that way about businesses that use Facebook for their website. But in that case, I can’t even read it without a Facebook account. I don’t mind needing an account to contribute to a conversation.

And while GitHub  has become the dominant player in Open Source development— it has not (yet?) reached out to control much else. 

-CHB

With all due respect to Microsoft, who has contributed significantly to Python development, and continues to do, some people don't care for some of Microsoft's policy and actions, and Microsoft owns GitHub, so your last paragraph is somewhat naive, at best.

So what is the difference between a GitHub account, and Microsoft account?