[cellml-discussion] CellML: Core specification proposal handling

[Poul Nielsen]

Dear all

There have been discussions on the tracker (item 347) and email list  
regarding how we should organise the process of accepting/rejecting  
proposals to change the core CellML specifications. We need a  
mechanism to close proposals on the tracker and incorporate successful  
proposals in the draft core specifications. Several meetings ago we  
discussed this issue at the Auckland CellML meeting. It was resolved  
that we recommend the following process be followed:
• After a proposal has been available for discussion on the tracker  
for sufficient time (there being no new aspects put forward), the  
proposer will call for the proposal to be closed.
• The procedure for closing a proposal involves notification to the  
CellML community (by posting on the relevant tracker item, and email  
to the CellML mailing list) that final discussions must be drawn to a  
close within a stated period of time (typically 1 or 2 weeks).
• After this period the proposal is considered by a Specification  
Proposals Panel for acceptance, rejection, or deferral by a majority  
vote.
• The Specification Proposals Panel will initially consist of David  
Nickerson, Alan Garny, Poul Nielsen, Randall Britten, and Andrew  
Miller (the composition will need provision for change, but we will  
have to draw up a procedure for this).
• If there is a clear community consensus on how the proposal should  
be dealt with (rejected or accepted), the panel will usually accept  
the community consensus view. If the Specification Proposals Panel is  
unable to reach a consensus, the proposal will be forwarded for final  
consideration by Poul Nielsen (by exercising a casting vote or  
recommendation for further consideration).

The aim of this proposal is to formalise a community approach to  
changing the core CellML specifications.

We would like to solicit CellML community views on this process. If  
you have views on this issue, please post them to the tracker item 347  
or to the CellML mailing list. I propose that we call this thread to a  
close by the end Tuesday April 1 (no joking).

Best wishes
Poul