Krzysztof Kowalczyk wrote:
It's safe to conclude that you don't need bounty system to have
succesful project.
The real question is: what is?
I think the discussion "is bounty system good or bad" is premature,
stems from a haphzard idea of an individual (as opposed to systematic
exploration of possible options to improve mediawiki project).
It diverts attention from much more important question: "what are the
ways to improve mediawiki".
Krzysztof Kowalczyk |
http://blog.kowalczyk.info
I would like to insist on a couple of things
First, I have no clearly set opinion myself on the topic, which is why I
feel fairly confident to ask you what you think and not to deform it :-)
Second, we can not really say that this discussion on bounty is
premature. No discussion ever is, as long as it is discussion :-) And
since a couple of people are interested, and Erik in particular supports
it very much, then it is best to discuss it openly.
Third, this discussion is in particular triggered by the irc discussion
we had yesterday (see
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Foundation_website_meeting%2C_July_2004)
during which 2 features development were suggested on that bounty system.
Fourth, as far as I know, though a developer seem to think otherwise,
the money which will be used for bounty system (IF we decide to try that
option) will likely to be WMF one, and in this case, it will be the
board to vote whether to spend or not to spend, and how much to spend.
Now, we are aware it is a controversial matter, so what we will do will
depend essentially of how the developers feel like it, and how all
editors feel like it. Hence, the current discussion.
1) As mentionned by Elian and others, it would be nice that we identify
better which features are currently requested, and which requests are
really supported
2) Then to see which ones are more urgent
3) Then to have this clear to newcomers, so that there is not a barrier
to entry for new developers
4) And suggest ways to reward those taking on tasks.