hello.

we currently have some problems with identifying current issues on the site, and knowing what needs to be done, and so on. i've decided it would be a good idea to spend some time on 'management' stuff like this, so i'm trying to come up with a suitable procedure to make sure things work smoothly.

as such, i'd like to propose a new way to manage issues:

the primary point of contact for site issues will be the existing NOC ticket system, noc@wikimedia.org. users should mail this address with any technical issues *relating to the Wikimedia sites* (i.e., it does not replace bugzilla for MediaWiki). confirmed issues will be moved to the new "issues" queue by the "issues manager" (well, you know everyone needs a title). this will also apply to requests from developers; for example, things that need to be done by the on-site developer (previously Chad), and other developers (paid developers in particular).

the issues manager can then formulate a list of tasks required to resolve each issue, and place them on a wiki page somewhere (probably split by particular people, and tasks for all developers). there's then a central place to look to know what needs to be done. further, this can be used to produce a list of open and resolved problems on the site, and what was done to fix them, to keep users and the board better informed of what's going on. (for example, a weekly 'issues summary' mail to the list).

this can also be used as central point of contact for communications with outside partners, such as Kennisnet and Lost Oasis (although purely for technical matters, not negotiations).

unless anyone has strenuous objections to this, i'd like to try it immediately; we can see how well it works, or whether anything needs to be changed. as i'm not doing much actual developer work recently, i'll probably take on the role of issues manager...

any comments appreciated.

regards, kate.