Read the whole thread, please

So, I actually find this discussion fascinating and important, and I have read every single message in the thread. I would like to strongly encourage anyone, who would like more than a shallow appreciation of the issues discussed, to do the same. Yeah, I know, it takes a while but it's worth it. The root of the thread is here: http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.linux.kernel.stable/58049/f...

Here's why:

First of all, this is actually one of the most civil, intelligent and enlightening discussions I've read on the Internet for a long time. Compared to the absolute shit commenting, around this discussion, which takes place on most (all?) other places on the net, this is actually a shining example, of how grownups can have a fruitful conversation about difficult matters. It really sets the bar quite high, which in this case is *particularly* relevant, since this discussion is about setting the bar in the first place.

Secondly, since this discussion touches several hotbutton issues, it is very easy to make up one's mind far to quickly, and bottomline the whole thing into easy to digest absolutes, or black and white statements. I would like to submit that there is nothing black or white, and no quick absolutes or obvious right/wrong's to be derived from this. This is difficult adult stuff folks. This is worldcitizen level issues being discussed. It cuts across gender issues, cultural issues, psychological factors, personality issues, management issues, ... in short - everything humanity struggles with on a daily basis all over the place. All of this in probably *the* most highprofile collaborative project in the history of the human race, filled with passionate, opinionated and intelligent people, from all walks and denominations of life. It's *not* easy.

Whatever comes out of this discussion will be read as "wrong" or "right" by some and not by others. That is inevitable, because there *is* no absolute outcome that can result from it. And that is Ok. The only thing that can come out of it, is the project itself, deliberating whether some adjustments to it's process should take place or not, and what the nature of those adjustments should be, and why. That's how it should be.

I must say, after reading the whole thread, I have the highest respect for all the key players involved, and have no doubts about their intentions, or their ability to reach an "as good as can be obtained" outcome. It will never be perfect, and that is both to be expected and quite Ok, for the simple fact that being human means being imperfect, and on a continuous learning journey. The only troublesome thing that could happen IMO, is if the Linux collective project would show itself unable to learn from it's mistakes, and not continue to improve, So far I see nothing like that happening, and I believe it's a key factor to it's enormous sucess.