bitcoin-dev

Adding New BIP Editors

Adding New BIP Editors

Original Postby Ava Chow

Posted on: April 2, 2024 00:37 UTC

The discussion elaborates on the current state and potential improvements regarding the management of Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs).

It highlights that having BIPs initially appear on a mailing list does not necessarily protect them from censorship, as their visibility is already controllable under the existing system. The appointment of BIP editors would not fundamentally alter their ability to censor proposals; rather, it might enhance the process by diversifying decision-making previously influenced by a single individual's discretion. This could potentially lead to a more democratic and less biased selection of proposals for consideration.

Furthermore, the conversation touches upon the procedural aspects of handling BIPs, including the assignment of proposal numbers. It argues that the sequence or specific number assigned to a BIP is inconsequential to its substance or success, thereby questioning the relevance of numerical ordering in the evaluation process. Additionally, it is noted that anyone with the requisite interest and capabilities can contribute to the repository, similar to other GitHub repositories, provided they adhere to the guidelines specified in BIP 2 and maintain active participation in the process.

The email also delves into the procedures for appointing new BIP editors and the challenges currently faced, such as delays in merging proposals attributed to slow responses from the existing editor. The proposed solution involves a community-driven approach to nominating and discussing potential new editors, mirroring the process presumably used for current appointments. Moreover, the removal of editors has been unprecedented, suggesting an undefined procedure for their dismissal. However, it implies that such a process would initiate with a community discussion triggered by raised concerns, ensuring transparency and collective decision-making.

Lastly, it addresses instances where emergency actions are warranted, specifically citing a scenario where a maintainer's privileges were revoked due to security concerns. Such measures are depicted as exceptional, reserved for clear threats to the repository's integrity, and reversible upon verification of safety, exemplifying a cautious yet responsive approach to managing access and control within the BIP ecosystem.