Today marks my 1 year anniversary with the WMF. What a ride it's been!
A little clarification, or a timeline if you will.
Work on Interactive was led by very energetic and talented technical folks for a good chunk of time with out a lot structure around the work. Then, about a quarter ago, the team tried to start with more planning - a roadmap, team roles, checklists for deployment - the usual stuff. It didn't go well. The structure was too burdensome for some team members and lacking for others. It caused a bit of stress to all members of the team, myself included. But, to be good stewards of our resources we need some structure.
Lacking that structure it was decided to put a pause on things, rethink the approach, and figure out how this all fits into planning and strategy for the comping months/years. In the middle of this was the holiday, dev summit and WMF all-hands (a solid week away from the office for the WMF), then Yuri's departure, and Katie's scheduled (and deserved) vacation. Looking back at it, a mess of bad timing.
So, Dan posted the message on discovery-l. I can't speak for him, but my interpretation was, "Hey, just a head's up. We're going to pause things while we work some stuff out and we'll let you know more in the future". An honest attempt to do what so many of us ask for - quick communication in the open. Personal note, I really didn't expect so many people would care/notice! I'm happy to see that I was wrong.
It's hard to talk about these things. It's a sign of vulnerability to do so and this information puts you at risk for criticism and embarrassment (deserved or otherwise!). We're professionals, we never make mistakes, right? Nope. We do, and it's hard to talk about. It's also hard with professional and legal reasons when talking about individual staff. Heck, even writing this reply I'm worried I'm going to say something wrong. :)
Now a few of the folks in Discovery are coming up with a plan, to be discussed with our director upon their return from vacation. I personally believe it would be wrong to make a decision without their involvement. I, like many of you, personally hope we figure out a good way to keep the work the interactive team has done moving forward. Once we have a plan, we'll let you all know.
At this point I feel like I'm repeating what others have already said. :) I don't expect this will put all minds at ease, but I too ask for your patience and assume good faith.
I’ve always respected Derk-Jan's perspective and thoughts in the community. I appreciate his concerns and I hope he continues bring them forth.
Yours, Chris Koerner Community Liaison - Discovery Wikimedia Foundation