[Python-ideas] "Proposing a change" document? (was: Civility on this mailing list)

[Ethan Furman]

On 11/10/2016 01:07 PM, Franklin? Lee wrote:
> On Fri, Oct 21, 2016 at 11:07 AM, Paul Moore <p.f.moore at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> I wonder. Would there be value in adding a sign-up email to the list
>> (supported by a posting of that email to the list, to catch existing
>> contributors) that set out some of the basic principles of how changes
>> are judged for inclusion in Python?
>
> Turn it around. Have a document outlining how one should _argue_ for
> their idea. Instead of, "We get a lot of ideas. Are you SURE your idea
> is good?" say, "We WANT to hear your idea, and here is the best way to
> get us to listen." A list of reasons why ideas get rejected will make
> them defensive, while a list of points they need to prove will put
> them on the offensive, and also get them thinking deeply about the
> potential costs/issues of their idea.

+1.  These seem like *really* good ideas to me.

--
~Ethan~