Spec changes for LCs and later maturity levels [Was: Re: RfC: LCWD of Web Socket API; comment deadline October 21]

On 10/5/11 3:15 AM, ext Julian Reschke wrote:
> On 2011-09-29 18:28, Arthur Barstow wrote:
>> On September 29, aLCWD of Web Sockets API was published:
>>
>> http://www.w3.org/TR/2011/WD-websockets-20110929/
>>
>> Please send all comments to public-webapps@w3.org by October 21.
>
> I just noted that as of yesterday, the API spec contains the custom 
> URI parsing algorithm that we removed from the protocol spec a long 
> time ago.
>
> This was a post-LC change.
>
> What's the Webapps WG's procedure to manage changes during LC?
Hi Julian, All - I changed the subject to reflect the general 
process-related issue here. I will respond separately to the WebSocket 
specifics ...

WebApps has always used the Edit First, Review Second process, as 
documented in our [WorkMode] document.

Overall, I think the process has worked reasonably well, yet it can 
create some challenges, especially as a spec enters the later maturity 
levels i.e. LC and later.

For specs in LC or later, I think the Editor(s) should feel free to make 
minor changes e.g. editorial changes and bug fixes that would not 
invalidate an implementation, without any explicit notification to the 
group. However, for major changes e.g. a new feature or a bug fix that 
would affect an implementation, I think it is reasonable to expect the 
Editor(s) to make some type of explicit notification and that could be 
done via an e-mail, bug report, new issue (e.g. Tracker), etc.

Some groups have defined relatively detailed processes for handling 
changes to specs at LC and later. My expectation is that everyone is 
participating with the best of intentions, and as such, I would prefer 
to not be overly prescriptive with the group's change process.

If others have additional or contrary thoughts about how the group 
should handle spec changes for specs at LC or later, please speak up.

-Art Barstow

[WorkMode] http://www.w3.org/2008/webapps/wiki/WorkMode

Received on Friday, 7 October 2011 11:55:49 UTC