[Python-Dev] No response to posts

[Steve Holden]

On 8/2/2010 1:18 PM, Michael Foord wrote:
> On 02/08/2010 17:54, Brian Curtin wrote:
>> On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 11:39, Ralf Schmitt <ralf at brainbot.com
>> <mailto:ralf at brainbot.com>> wrote:
>>
>>     Benjamin Peterson <benjamin at python.org
>>     <mailto:benjamin at python.org>> writes:
>>
>>     > Please, let's stop messing with the tracker for everything. I think
>>     > the current set up works reasonably well, and we should focus on the
>>     > real problem: manpower
>>
>>     Ignoring issues (probably even with some patches attached) will drive
>>     contributors away. That's not the way to increase manpower.
>>
>>     - Ralf
>>
>>
>> Overall the "no response" query just passes the buck. Let's say we get
>> that query down to zero issues. What does that give us? Now we have
>> 500 issues with 2 responses. Sure, it makes further correspondence
>> more likely, but it's not solving any real issues and making any
>> measurably significant impact.
>>
> 
> Sure it could make a difference. People who submit issues will
> appreciate *some* response a great deal more than no response. More than
> that, if we have people dedicated to looking at new issues then we are
> more likely to *resolve* some that would otherwise "slip through the net".
> 
> 
>> While I do think the "no response" query can be helpful, let's not
>> attribute too much value to tiny tweaks of the tracker and reporting.
>> Benjamin is right -- manpower is where we'll benefit the most, not in
>> the manner we paint the current issue situation.
> 
> Sure. *Part* of drawing in more manpower can be engaging with those
> submitting issues and seeing if we can get them to post patches and / or
> tests - and suck them as far into Python development as we possibly can.
> ;-) For many people submitting an issue may be their first contact with
> Python developers and the Python development process (just as for others
> posting to Python-dev will be their first contact - even if they really
> should be posting to comp.lang.python instead).
> 

I agree with Michael that response to first issue posting is an
important potential recruitment channel.

It's important, though, that the response is friendly and encouraging
(not that there's anyone on this list who doesn't have those two
characteristics :-). And certainly not automated - that wouldn't help at
all.

regards
 Steve
-- 
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