Proposal: Keep Group Unified, Don't Divide into Taskforces

I feel the proposed charter may be too large, due to having too many 
deliverables (15 at my last count). A smaller charter with (5) 
deliverables was written earlier. I propose reverting to the earlier 
charter, and want this discussed at the telecon.  Most  other W3C XGs have 
a SINGLE  deliverable, a final report. I recommend people read the "Quick 
Start Guide to Incubator Groups" by the W3C and look at the charters of 
other XGs. [1]

Also, I believe there is a misunderstanding of the nature of task-forces. 
Usually task forces are created to communicate *in-between* existing 
working groups, not *within* working groups. If there are 
internal task-forces,  will they have separate lists or telecons? Unless 
this is so, there is no  reason to have separate task-forces. I propose 
instead we keep the XG simple. Since this proposed charter has therefore 
become unwieldy [2], I propose that we return to the simpler earlier 
charter [3]. IMHO I believe the task force model will create a level of 
unnecessary bureaucracy.

W3C Process has been developed over years of experience developing 
specifications like HTML, XML, and more. Having a good and tested process 
is a good thing. I think it should only be changed as needed, and kept 
simple.

Note that deliverables are the contract of  the Incubator Group to the 
W3C, and it is expected deliverables will be  completed within the XG's 
time frame (1 year) and have a high-level of quality.

Extra telecon time can be reserved as needed and task-forces or separate 
list-servs can be created as needed once the group begins. In general, an 
open, transparent process with  minimal overhead is the way to go. If 
there is lots of activity, we can  ask to be made an activity with 
separate working groups after a year.

If confused by W3C Process, I suggest people look at the W3C Process 
document as well for information  about charters and W3C Process in 
general [4]. This applies especially to  people who are asking for 
deviations from standard W3C process.


[1] http://www.w3.org/2005/Incubator/xg-guide
[2] http://esw.w3.org/topic/UnifiedSocialXG
[3] http://esw.w3.org/topic/SocialWebXGCharter
[4] http://www.w3.org/Consortium/Process/

Received on Thursday, 26 February 2009 09:58:52 UTC