Re: [Boost-users] Rebooting Boost: Call for Lightning Talks @ CppCon

Subject: Re: [Boost-users] Rebooting Boost: Call for Lightning Talks @ CppCon
From: Paul A. Bristow (pbristow_at_[hidden])
Date: 2016-05-23 10:03:20

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Boost-users [mailto:boost-users-bounces_at_[hidden]] On Behalf Of John Phillips
> Sent: 23 May 2016 04:06
> To: boost-users_at_[hidden]
> Cc: boost_at_[hidden]
> Subject: Re: [Boost-users] Rebooting Boost: Call for Lightning Talks @ CppCon
> 
> 
> On 05/22/2016 07:18 AM, Niall Douglas wrote:
>  > At C++ Now a number of informal meetings showed there to be
>  > frustrations with the current ecosystem around the Boost C++
>  > Libraries (to paraphrase a founder of Boost, "Boost is supposed to
>  > serve *the entire C++ community; it isn't Boost's goal to serve
>  > Boost's community*".
> 
> ... <snip> ...
> 
> I have been a (minor, but long running) contributor to Boost for quite a
> while, and while I don't have the time to comment individually on all
> the various discussions happening on different ways to evolve Boost, I
> do want to make one general comment.
> 
> I agree that Boost should serve the entire C++ community. In fact, I
> would like to see all capable members of the C++ community find ways to
> serve the community. However, my experience in the last nearly 20 years
> of service to that community is that almost no two people agree on what
> is and is not a service to the community. I have, in that time, found no
> value in arguing with people that my idea of service is better than theirs.
> 
> As such, I root for all attempts at service to succeed. To find at least
> some segment of the community for which that service honestly improves
> the language and the quality of code being produced in the language.
> 
> So, if you want to serve by trying something new and different - I wish
> you well. If you want to serve by doing something tried and true, I
> again have nothing but respect for your desire to serve, and hope for
> you to succeed. If you want to try to work within existing projects to
> try and tweek them toward some direction you find more likely to
> succeed, once again you have my support for your desire to make a
> difference.
> 
> I will make my own choices of what to lead or follow, based on my own
> (admitedly limited) understanding of the needs of the community, and of
> my own skills and interests. I expect all others to do the same. I will
> only object if I feel people are somehow being forced to work against
> their desires and understanding.
> 
> I see no reason for strained tempers and acrimony in any part of this.

Agreed.

Paul

PS I agree with the original and current strategy of Gradual Evolution,
and do not believe that a Big Bang C++XX only is a better idea.

If anything, a much better language without the disastrous baggage of C,
would be a much better Bold Adventure for those who feel an urge for the new.

---
Paul A. Bristow
Prizet Farmhouse
Kendal UK LA8 8AB
[phone]