[Foundation-l] technical issues management

Wed Sep 7 00:00:46 UTC 2005

hello.

we currently have some problems with identifying current issues on the site, and
knowing what needs to be done, and so on.  i've decided it would be a good idea
to spend some time on 'management' stuff like this, so i'm trying to come up
with a suitable procedure to make sure things work smoothly.

as such, i'd like to propose a new way to manage issues:

the primary point of contact for site issues will be the existing NOC ticket
system, noc at wikimedia.org.  users should mail this address with any technical
issues *relating to the Wikimedia sites* (i.e., it does not replace bugzilla for
MediaWiki).  confirmed issues will be moved to the new "issues" queue by the
"issues manager" (well, you know everyone needs a title).  this will also apply
to requests from developers; for example, things that need to be done by the
on-site developer (previously Chad), and other developers (paid developers in
particular).

the issues manager can then formulate a list of tasks required to resolve each
issue, and place them on a wiki page somewhere (probably split by particular
people, and tasks for all developers).  there's then a central place to look to
know what needs to be done.  further, this can be used to produce a list of
open and resolved problems on the site, and what was done to fix them, to keep
users and the board better informed of what's going on.  (for example, a weekly
'issues summary' mail to the list).  

this can also be used as central point of contact for communications with
outside partners, such as Kennisnet and Lost Oasis (although purely for
technical matters, not negotiations).

unless anyone has strenuous objections to this, i'd like to try it immediately;
we can see how well it works, or whether anything needs to be changed.  as i'm
not doing much actual developer work recently, i'll probably take on the role of
issues manager...

any comments appreciated.

regards,
kate.