Re: Release Org 9.4.2

[Pankaj Jangid]

Bastien <bzg@gnu.org> writes:

>> My question is/are: (1) Why Org is developed outside Emacs, given that
>> it is a core/built-in package.
>
> When Org's development switched to Git (13 years ago, from memory),
> the release cycle was very short.  Way shorter than the release cycle
> of Emacs.  Also, the process for accepting new code contributors was
> lighter, even when we asked them to sign the FSF copyright assignment.
>
> In this context, having a separate Git repo was a huge plus, and Org
> was not yet included of Emacs.
>
> Then Org became part of Emacs, which was a very important move.
>
> But still, using a separate repo and a separate mailing list was key
> in being free to progress at our own pace, which was still quite fast.
>
> Today, the release cycle of Org is longer and that of Emacs shorter.
> So yes, it could make sense to envision a destiny similar to Gnus:
> Gnus is now developed in Emacs and Org could also be developed in
> Emacs.

Thanks for writing this. This explains everything.

> But (1) it is not only *our* decision, it's also in the hands of the
> Emacs maintainers, which may think otherwise; (2) all the consequences
> need to be considered, as it is a sensible move; (3) I am on the verge
> of stepping down as a maintainer, so it is not a good time for me to
> push into a direction or another.

I sensed (3) when I saw an email (last month I guess) about assimilating
parts of Org into Emacs. While that is a good idea. But I don’t have a
very good feeling about you leaving. You have contributed so much. You
have maintained it so well.

I can understand how it feels when people complain about features. And
sometimes they blame the maintainers for some specific product
directions. But it is bound to happen when they are also attached to the
product. I hope these things have not shaped up your decision. It
happens in a closely knit family.

> Anyway, I don't think now is the right time to consider this move, as
> there are many more things to achieve. I suggest we discuss this again
> later next year.

Yes. This is endless. We’ll continue this...