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Re:Lessons I learned while implementing technical RFCs as a ... by tejohnso on Saturday September 09, 2017 @09:17AM (#15206932)
"include team members without it becoming design by committee"

This point is mentioned but there's no clarification. As soon as you open up a design discussion to other members you're heading to design by committee territory, unless you take specific action to control it. Is there something in the formalized RFC process that addresses this?

Re:Lessons I learned while implementing technical RFCs as a ... by nmalaguti on Saturday September 09, 2017 @09:34AM (#15206996)
Someone once said to me that RFC stands for Request For Comments, not Request For Consensus.

It is an opportunity for you to get important feedback about aspects of the plan you might be under-informed about and make sure the relevant parties are aware of what is happening.

After feedback, you may decide your plan was flawed and needs adjustment, but just because there is disagreement doesn't mean you need to change your design to fit everyone's needs.

Re:Lessons I learned while implementing technical RFCs as a ... by JoshTriplett on Saturday September 09, 2017 @02:33PM (#15208476)
I do think consensus forms a critical part of the process. But consensus does not mean unanimity, and not every objection requires changing the plan to accommodate it.

An RFC should seek to articulate the key constraints, surface every unique point of disagreement, and address every one of those. Sometimes, addressing such a point may involve changing the proposal; other times, it'll involve providing a considered and thoughtful response that amounts to "no, and here's why not". That may lead to someone dropping the objection on further consideration, or refining their concerns in an effort to better articulate what they value that they feel the proposal doesn't deal with. And occasionally, even after that, the answer may remain "no", and the objection will stay on record as disagreement with the consensus.

Re:Lessons I learned while implementing technical RFCs as a ... by buritica on Saturday September 09, 2017 @11:38AM (#15207572)
RFC authors are not to incorporate all feedback into their proposals. they can choose to ignore all comments, it's utlimately them who will be responsible for system outcome of their technical proposal
Re:Lessons I learned while implementing technical RFCs as a ... by sqldba on Saturday September 09, 2017 @10:37AM (#15207257)
Paging Howard Roark :-)