[OE-core] OE, the TSC and the future

[Richard Purdie]

I think its fair to say that OpenEmbedded has changed quite a bit over
the last few years. Prior to the Yocto Project, OE struggled to figure
out how to engage with the commercial side of the ecosystem and how to
scale and I think there have been many positive changes in the way
everything works, not least with the layers approach and the pull model
for changes.

Whilst the ecosystem has changed, the structures that make up OE such as
the TSC have not changed that much. They were setup to address problems
which in some cases no longer exist for example.

We're coming up to the next round of TSC elections, the board is aware
of this but have asked that we figure out the TSC's role going forward
before those elections.

There has been limited discussion about this on the members list
previously, it was met with a lot of silence but I do think the time is
right to think about things a bit.

I should note that whilst I did take an action from the TSC to start a
discussion and that the TSC does have some ideas in mind, I'm primarily
expressing personal views here, not those of the TSC. Other TSC members
are more than capable of expressing their own views!

In brief summary the TSC has been doing two main things, acting as a
task force and also being able to make a decision when needed. The
latter has not happened much at all, the main work was as a task force
on various issues, firstly engaging with the Yocto Project and figuring
that out, more recently dealing with infrastructure issues and generally
ensuring the health of OE.

I don't think the task force should be limited to the TSC members
although it can be lead by them (or delegated). As such I think the TSC
would like to see that element get opened up to a public IRC meeting,
maybe monthly at a set time when people get together and discuss those
topics. The TSC members could be responsible for giving that process and
meeting some kind of structure but it would be open to all.

The decision making element of the TSC would remain with them, likely
done by calling a special meeting as needed (we haven't needed many
official decisions).

At this point I'll open that to discussion. Any objections or other
proposals?

Speaking of TSC elections, I know I'm due for re-election first. I'm
also due to be away for a few weeks shortly so I'd like to make it known
that I would like to stand for re-election. I've hopefully done some
good for OE over what amounts to nearly a decade (scary when put like
that!) and I'm not quite done yet! :)

Cheers,

Richard