Re: [PDO] PDO 2: Request for Comments

Lukas Kahwe Smith wrote:

But what if people who would otherwise be regular contributors are not signing? There does not appear to be a large supply of such people, judging from past contributions to PDO.

There *are* people among the RDBMS vendors who wish to contribute, but my understanding is that most of them prefer the contribution process to include a CLA, so that it's clear that all IP in the project is unencumbered and is free for use.

(especially since there are items in there like #7, which put a perpetual burden on the contributor).

The way its worded it makes it clear that this IF applies eternally and the clause would not make any sense if its not aimed at the future, because there are already clauses that cover what you are aware of at the time of contribution. Since there is no time limit expressly mentioned, I guess its eternal. If this is not the intention, then please clarify that point in the CLA. Aha. I agree with this, and I retract my previous comment. Yes, it is a clause that has no time limit.

However, is this clause such a problem? If you find out that you inadvertently contributed some code improperly, then let the PHP Group know. They might want to remove that contribution so the project doesn't violate anyone's IP rights. Seems like in a case like that, it *should* be your obligation as a contributor to notify the project, as well as the professional and courteous thing to do.

I have seen plenty of company's leave projects. I have seen plenty of companies ship buggy crap. Whats your point? My point was that I value contributions that are done solely out of what your manager tells you to do today as less reliable as that of people who more or less choose to do the work on their own. My point is that we can't make generalizations that vendor contributors are any more or any less dedicated or high-quality than the heartfelt souls who do it in their spare time. Therefore I don't value one any more or any less than the other.

I do think that all other things being equal, I assume a contributor from a vendor has the best expertise and the most accurate and up-to-date knowledge about their own technology, more time to dedicate to the task, and an interest in creating a complete solution.

I am just trying to make it clear that company involvement is not to be considered the holy grail of ever lasting high level support. ... Again my point is to refute the argument that having commercial vendors involved will somehow future proof on going development. Granted. But speaking practically, there are contributors among the RDBMS vendors who are ready to contribute, now. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. :-)

Regards, Bill Karwin