**** Session 3 ~ Introduction to MOTU ~ BEGIN AT Mon Sep 1 23:31:07 2008 Sep 01 20:01 < Iulian> Hello all and welcome to "Introduction to MOTU" session. My name is Iulian Udrea and I'm going to talk about MOTU obviously. Sep 01 20:02 < Iulian> I like to answer questions, so, if you have any, please do not hesitate to ask. Prefix your question with QUESTION: and ask it in #ubuntu-classroom-chat. Sep 01 20:03 < Iulian> Awesome - let's get started! Sep 01 20:03 < Iulian> The acronym MOTU stands for Master(s) of the Universe. Sep 01 20:03 < Iulian> There are three types of Ubuntu Developers: Sep 01 20:04 < Iulian> 1. Universe contributors - they are collectively responsible for the maintenance of most of the packages in Ubuntu (the 'universe' and 'multiverse' components). Sep 01 20:04 < Iulian> For example: merge new versions from Debian, synchronize them with Debian, fix bugs etc. Sep 01 20:05 < Iulian> 2. MOTU - they are the brave souls who keep the Universe and Multiverse components of Ubuntu in shape. Sep 01 20:06 < Iulian> They are community members who spend their time adding, maintaining and supporting as much as possible the software found in Universe. Sep 01 20:06 < bokey> heh. wikipedia says MOTU => Mark of the Unicorn Sep 01 20:06 * bokey ducks Sep 01 20:06 < Iulian> (approximately 15000 packages). Sep 01 20:06 < Iulian> Hehe Sep 01 20:07 < Iulian> 3. Core developers - they are collectively responsible for the maintenance of packages in the 'main' and 'restricted' components. Sep 01 20:07 < Iulian> They have a strong working knowledge of Ubuntu project procedures, packaging concepts and techniques. Sep 01 20:07 < Iulian> Any questions so far? Sep 01 20:08 < Iulian> Ok then, let's keep going. Sep 01 20:09 < zenkk> What's the difference between "maintaining most of the packages" in Universe and Multiverse, and "keeping the Universe and Multiverse components in shape"? Sep 01 20:10 < Iulian> zenkk: I'm afraid there is no difference between maintaining and keeping the components in shape. Sep 01 20:11 < Iulian> zenkk: Maintaining means that we take care of packages. Sep 01 20:11 < Iulian> <mok0> QUESTION: Can I post a wiki link? Sep 01 20:11 < Iulian> mok0: Yes, sure. Sep 01 20:12 < Iulian> <soulhacker> QUESTION: so if i want to add a package to ubuntu universe repository where do i fall 1 or 2? Sep 01 20:12 < mok0> Here is a nice overview of the various developer categories in Ubuntu: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuDevelopers Sep 01 20:12 < Iulian> soulhacker: I'll explain later how can you get your new package in the archive. Sep 01 20:13 < Iulian> The MOTU are a group of developers who take responsibility for Ubuntu Universe which is the community-maintained part of Ubuntu. Sep 01 20:13 < Iulian> If you want to get involved with the MOTU I suggest you to start with the bitesize bugs which are located at https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bugs?field.tag=bitesize. Sep 01 20:14 < Iulian> The bugs which have the bitesize tag means that they are easy to fix. Sep 01 20:14 < Iulian> For example, a manual page for a particular package has a typo or the .desktop file has a field which is deprecated and so on. Sep 01 20:15 < Iulian> <soulhacker> QUESTION: please don't mide me being a idiot but then what does MOTU ACTUALLY do? Sep 01 20:15 < Iulian> soulhacker: I just said earlier. :) Sep 01 20:15 < Iulian> If you are tired fixing bitesize bugs come and join us, we are sure that we'll find something for you to work on. Sep 01 20:15 < Iulian> Also you might want to have a look at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MOTU/TODO/Bugs. Sep 01 20:16 < Iulian> You don't need to know any programming language to get involved with the MOTUs but sometimes it may help you. Sep 01 20:16 < Iulian> Take a look at this FAQ: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MOTU/FAQ. Sep 01 20:17 < Iulian> It will answer you some questions. Sep 01 20:18 < Iulian> Let me quote some of them. Sep 01 20:18 < Iulian> Q: "Do I need to know a lot of programming languages to become a MOTU?" Sep 01 20:18 < Iulian> "Much more important than having a lot of progamming experience is:" Sep 01 20:18 < Iulian> # being a good team player Sep 01 20:18 < Iulian> # learning by reading documentation, trying things out and not being afraid to ask questions Sep 01 20:18 < Iulian> # being highly motivated Sep 01 20:19 < Iulian> # having a knack for trying to make things work Sep 01 20:19 < Iulian> # having some detective skills Sep 01 20:19 < Iulian> Much better now. Sep 01 20:19 < Iulian> If you get stuck at any point, we have a channel here on Freenode #ubuntu-motu and a ML ubuntu-motu@lists.ubuntu.com. Just come in and ask your question. We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions! Sep 01 20:20 < Iulian> We also have set up a Mentoring program, more details at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MOTU/Mentoring as I don't have enough time to talk about. Sep 01 20:21 < Iulian> This program will help new contributors to get more involved in Ubuntu development. Sep 01 20:21 < Iulian> I'd also like to mention about the MOTU videos: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MOTU/Videos. Sep 01 20:22 < Iulian> These videos are excellent for new contributors and those who would like to join our beautiful world, the MOTU world. Sep 01 20:22 < Iulian> The difference between a MOTU and a Contributor is not so big as many of you think. MOTU have just the right to upload packages to the Ubuntu Universe archive. Sep 01 20:23 < Iulian> <DreamThief> QUESTION: So if I get it right the first step to get in the orbit of the MOTUs is to start fixing small bugs? Sep 01 20:23 < Iulian> DreamThief: Exactly Sep 01 20:23 < DreamThief> thx ;) Sep 01 20:23 < Iulian> :) Sep 01 20:24 < Iulian> You don't need to be a Universe Contributor or a MOTU to have your new package or patch uploaded to the archive. Sep 01 20:25 < Iulian> For NEW packages we have REVU which is located at http://revu.ubuntuwire.com/. REVU is a review tool for MOTUs. It is a web based tool where people can upload their packages. Sep 01 20:25 < Iulian> <xander21c> Question: Is there any requirements for mentoring? Sep 01 20:25 < Iulian> xander21c: No. Just write us an e-mail and we'll be more than happy to pick you up. Sep 01 20:26 < Iulian> <mruiz> QUESTION: Hi. How long is the period to become Universe contributor? In my case, I have worked before with the team (uploaded, merged and synced packages). Sep 01 20:26 < Iulian> mruiz: Well, I don't know how to answer your question. I think that you know better. If you contributed before, talk to your sponsors and tell them what they think. Sep 01 20:27 < Iulian> Ok, let's continue. Sep 01 20:28 < Iulian> I just said that for new packages we have REVU. Sep 01 20:28 < Iulian> It's something similar to what Debian has for new packages: http://mentors.debian.net/ Sep 01 20:29 < Iulian> <soulhacker> QUESTION:so i have found a bitesized bug i am intrested in how do i go about fixing it? Sep 01 20:30 < Iulian> soulhacker: dholbach gave a session earlier. You might want to read it. Anyway, if you get stuck, we have #ubuntu-motu. Sep 01 20:30 < Iulian> Just ask your question in that channel and I am sure that someone will answer it. Sep 01 20:31 < Iulian> <ogzy> QUESTION: what is the duty of the mentors, guiding a new volunteer on the MOTU road ? Sep 01 20:31 < Iulian> ogzy: Yup Sep 01 20:31 < Iulian> soulhacker: Does this answer your question? Sep 01 20:32 < Iulian> Ok then. Sep 01 20:32 < Iulian> You will need two advocates from two MOTUs in order for your new package to be uploaded to Universe. If everything is ok, the last reviewer (must be a MOTU) will upload your package to the archive. Sep 01 20:33 < Iulian> If you want to know more about REVU, I suggest you to have a look at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MOTU/Packages/REVU. Sep 01 20:34 < Iulian> soulhacker: Since we're in Feature Freeze, we don't allow new packages to be uploaded to the archive. Sep 01 20:34 < Iulian> soulhacker: You can ask in #ubuntu-motu for someone to review your package. Sep 01 20:35 < Iulian> Also, if you have a fix for a bug in a package and would like to have your patch sponsored you need to file a bug in LP, attach your patch to the bug report and subscribe the right sponsors. Sep 01 20:35 < Iulian> For 'universe' ubuntu-universe-sponsors and for 'main' ubuntu-main-sponsors. Sep 01 20:36 < Iulian> You might want to have a look at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SponsorshipProcess because the whole process is described in that wiki page. Sep 01 20:37 < Iulian> So, if you want to become a MOTU you need to submit an application to the MOTU Council and you need positive advocacy from several MOTUs. Sep 01 20:37 < Iulian> The MOTU Council currently has 5 members (Daniel Holbach, Emmet Hikory, Michael Bienia, Richard Johnson and Soren Hansen). Sep 01 20:39 < Iulian> Now I will talk a little bit about MOTU Release since we are in Feature Freeze... Sep 01 20:39 < Iulian> But first what Feature Freeze (also known as FF) means? Sep 01 20:40 < Iulian> When Feature Freeze is active it means that we won't accept new features, packages, APIs and focus on fixing bugs in the development release (current Intrepid Ibex). Sep 01 20:41 < Iulian> MOTU Release is a team that takes care of approving and denying Feature Freeze exceptions for Universe and Multiverse. Sep 01 20:42 < Iulian> For example if the upstream of a package releases a more stable version (only bug fixes, no new features) you might get an exception. Sep 01 20:43 < Iulian> The process is briefly described here: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/FreezeExceptionProcess Sep 01 20:43 < Iulian> <nxvl> QUESTION: Can any contributor at any time write an application for MOTUship? Sep 01 20:44 < Iulian> nxvl: Well, someone asked something similar to this one. It's up to him. If he thinks that he's ready for MOTUship, that's ok. Sep 01 20:45 < Iulian> nxvl: Well, I like to talk to my sponsors to see what they think, if I'm ready or now. Sep 01 20:46 < Iulian> Let's keep going. Sep 01 20:46 < Iulian> Let's say a few words about MOTU SRU too. Sep 01 20:47 < Iulian> s/now/not Sep 01 20:47 < Iulian> SRU stands for Stable Release Update which will only be issued in order to fix high impact bugs. Sep 01 20:48 < Iulian> For example: bugs with severe impact on a large portion of ubuntu users, bugs which cause loss of user data. Sep 01 20:48 < Iulian> Bugs which represent severe regressions from the previous release etc. Sep 01 20:49 < Iulian> A good example of a SRU bug is this one https://bugs.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/hardy/+source/oxine/+bug/225935 Sep 01 20:49 < ubot5> Launchpad bug 225935 in oxine "oxine is not installable in 8.04" [High,Fix released] Sep 01 20:50 < Iulian> Just to give you an idea on how a SRU is managed. Sep 01 20:51 < Iulian> We still have some more minutes. Do you have any questions, ideas, remarks? Sep 01 20:52 < Iulian> Ohh come on! Hit me with your questions! Sep 01 20:52 < Iulian> <ogzy> QUESTION: there are some MOTU meetings, what's that about? Sep 01 20:54 < Iulian> ogzy: In the meetings they discuss different things, issues they encountered. Sep 01 20:54 < Iulian> ogzy: Before the meeting they have some topics. Sep 01 20:55 < Iulian> <drubin> QUESTION:(Not sure if appropriate feel free to tell me) I would like to know why Evolution vs thunderbird as the standard mail client? Sep 01 20:56 < Iulian> drubin: I'm not sure how to ask that. Maybe because they are popular? Sep 01 20:58 < Iulian> Okay, we still have a couple of minutes. Sep 01 20:59 < Iulian> <techII> i think evolution is 'part' of gnome, thus why it is default Sep 01 20:59 < Iulian> It can be one of these reasons too. Sep 01 20:59 < Iulian> I think we are out of time. Sep 01 21:00 < Iulian> Thank you all for attending! Sep 01 21:00 < Iulian> And don't forget, join #ubuntu-motu if you still have questions. I'll be more than happy to answer all of them. **** Session 3 ~ Introduction to MOTU ~ END AT Mon Sep 1 24:31:00 2008
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