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Recently I noticed Lodash's repo had 0 open issues. As an OSS maintainer I found this fascinating because Lodash is tremendously popular, and keeping issues down is notoriously difficult.
Turns out @jdalton uses closed issues as part of his workflow:
- Feature requests are closed issues with `feature` label and `votes needed` label, and a
emoji reaction
- Bugs are open issues tagged with `bug` label
- Feature requests are closed issues with `feature` label and `votes needed` label, and a
emoji reaction- Bugs are open issues tagged with `bug` label
To see current feature requests, he provides a link that shows all issues labeled `feature`, sorted by descending count of .
That's how he prioritizes new feature development, so everyone knows the "most important" thing to work on next.
.That's how he prioritizes new feature development, so everyone knows the "most important" thing to work on next.
I really love this system because
1. It communicates to users that at any one time, there are many features competing for dev time
2. It has a built-in mechanism for helping the maintainer determine priority ( counts)
1. It communicates to users that at any one time, there are many features competing for dev time
2. It has a built-in mechanism for helping the maintainer determine priority (
counts)
3. The open Issues list doesn't become a dumping ground for questions, bugs, feature requests and discussions. It stays focused on what's actively being worked on.
4. The maintainer is better able to focus their effort and keep tabs on the overall needs of their users
4. The maintainer is better able to focus their effort and keep tabs on the overall needs of their users
OSS maintainability is all about communication: telling users if their requests align with the project; if you're still actively developing; what your priorities are; and so on.
Systems that nudge maintainers to fall into successful patterns in these areas are greatly needed.
Systems that nudge maintainers to fall into successful patterns in these areas are greatly needed.
I would love to hear what systems or tools other folks have found success with in the areas of OSS communication! I'd also love to know if @github is working on any features that touch this area.
