Skip to content
New issue

Have a question about this project? Sign up for a free GitHub account to open an issue and contact its maintainers and the community.

By clicking “Sign up for GitHub”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy statement. We’ll occasionally send you account related emails.

Already on GitHub? Sign in to your account

more clarity on reasonable objections #1596

Open
wants to merge 10 commits into
base: wai-site
Choose a base branch
from
Open
Show file tree
Hide file tree
Changes from all commits
Commits
File filter

Filter by extension

Filter by extension

Conversations
Failed to load comments.
Jump to
Jump to file
Failed to load files.
Diff view
Diff view
222 changes: 222 additions & 0 deletions .gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,222 @@
#################
## Eclipse
#################

*.pydevproject
.project
.metadata
bin/
tmp/
*.tmp
*.bak
*.swp
*~.nib
local.properties
build.properties
.classpath
.settings/
.loadpath

# External tool builders
.externalToolBuilders/

# Locally stored "Eclipse launch configurations"
*.launch

# CDT-specific
.cproject

# PDT-specific
.buildpath


#################
## Visual Studio
#################

## Ignore Visual Studio temporary files, build results, and
## files generated by popular Visual Studio add-ons.

# User-specific files
*.suo
*.user
*.sln.docstates

# Build results

[Dd]ebug/
[Rr]elease/
x64/
build/
[Bb]in/
[Oo]bj/

# MSTest test Results
[Tt]est[Rr]esult*/
[Bb]uild[Ll]og.*

*_i.c
*_p.c
*.ilk
*.meta
*.obj
*.pch
*.pdb
*.pgc
*.pgd
*.rsp
*.sbr
*.tlb
*.tli
*.tlh
*.tmp
*.tmp_proj
*.log
*.vspscc
*.vssscc
.builds
*.pidb
*.log
*.scc

# Visual C++ cache files
ipch/
*.aps
*.ncb
*.opensdf
*.sdf
*.cachefile

# Visual Studio profiler
*.psess
*.vsp
*.vspx

# Guidance Automation Toolkit
*.gpState

# ReSharper is a .NET coding add-in
_ReSharper*/
*.[Rr]e[Ss]harper

# TeamCity is a build add-in
_TeamCity*

# DotCover is a Code Coverage Tool
*.dotCover

# NCrunch
*.ncrunch*
.*crunch*.local.xml

# Installshield output folder
[Ee]xpress/

# DocProject is a documentation generator add-in
DocProject/buildhelp/
DocProject/Help/*.HxT
DocProject/Help/*.HxC
DocProject/Help/*.hhc
DocProject/Help/*.hhk
DocProject/Help/*.hhp
DocProject/Help/Html2
DocProject/Help/html

# Click-Once directory
publish/

# Publish Web Output
*.Publish.xml
*.pubxml

# NuGet Packages Directory
## TODO: If you have NuGet Package Restore enabled, uncomment the next line
#packages/

# Windows Azure Build Output
csx
*.build.csdef

# Windows Store app package directory
AppPackages/

# Others
sql/
*.Cache
ClientBin/
[Ss]tyle[Cc]op.*
~$*
*~
*.dbmdl
*.[Pp]ublish.xml
*.pfx
*.publishsettings

# RIA/Silverlight projects
Generated_Code/

# Backup & report files from converting an old project file to a newer
# Visual Studio version. Backup files are not needed, because we have git ;-)
_UpgradeReport_Files/
Backup*/
UpgradeLog*.XML
UpgradeLog*.htm

# SQL Server files
App_Data/*.mdf
App_Data/*.ldf

#############
## Windows detritus
#############

# Windows image file caches
Thumbs.db
ehthumbs.db

# Folder config file
Desktop.ini

# Recycle Bin used on file shares
$RECYCLE.BIN/

# Mac crap
.DS_Store


#############
## Python
#############

*.py[cod]

# Packages
*.egg
*.egg-info
dist/
build/
eggs/
parts/
var/
sdist/
develop-eggs/
.installed.cfg

# Installer logs
pip-log.txt

# Unit test / coverage reports
.coverage
.tox

#Translations
*.mo

#Mr Developer
.mr.developer.cfg

#############
## Apache Ant
#############

build.properties
22 changes: 16 additions & 6 deletions decision-policy.php
Expand Up @@ -14,27 +14,37 @@
<p>The Working Group strives to reach consensus via unanimous agreement. However, at times unanimity is not possible, and for the sake of continuing to work on important topics the group must arrive at a consensus decision and move forward. In the course of establishing consensus it is critical that all participants have the opportunity to express their views for consideration so that all relevant information can be used in arriving at the conclusion. Consensus indicates that a substantial number of individuals in the group support a proposal, and within the AG Working Group consensus can be achieved through this process. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.w3.org/2018/Process-20180201/#Consensus">Consensus</a> is not a vote. The exact number of working group participants supporting a Call for Consensus compared to objections is not the only factor in the decision. Although significant support from the active membership is always desirable, consensus means working through objections until they are resolved either through amending the decision or in rare cases overriding the objection as laid out in <a href="https://www.w3.org/2018/Process-20180201/#managing-dissent">Managing Dissent</a>. In order to work through objections they must have a clear rationale based on the technical merit or with reference to the agreed scope of the work. Moving on usually means a careful approach is taken. For example, <em>not</em> adding something to the documentation.</p>
<p>Additions to normative text such as new success criteria should have a pre-defined scope. For example, the <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/GL/wiki/WCAG_2.1_Success_Criteria">requirements for WCAG 2.1 success criteria</a>. Where new normative text does not reach consensus the reasons should be recorded, depending on the origin of the text. For example, if the new text originated in a github issue or pull request, it could be labeled with "Unsupported addition".</p>
<p>During discussion on a topic, participants are welcome to raise objections freely to help ensure that all available information can be considered and contribute to the best possible decision. However, when the chairs issue a Call for Consensus, objections should not be raised unless the individual strongly believes the decision is the wrong one in spite of discussion, and the individual cannot "live with" the decision. Compromise on points that the individual considers suboptimal but can "live with" is an essential part of group decisions that must meet various requirements. </p>
<p>During discussion on a topic, participants are welcome to raise objections freely to help ensure that all available information can be considered and contribute to the best possible decision. However, when the chairs issue a Call for Consensus (CfC), objections should not be raised unless the individual strongly believes the decision is the wrong one in spite of discussion, and the individual cannot "live with" the decision. Compromise on points that the individual considers suboptimal but can "live with" is an essential part of group decisions that must meet various requirements. Objections from people who raised their concerns to the group during discussions may be given more consideration than objections from people who had opportunity and chose to not participate in those discussions.</p>
Copy link
Member

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

This makes it sound like the objections are not evaluated as much on their merits but on whether they have been raised unsuccessfully before.

Copy link
Contributor

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Suggest the following replace the whole paragraph from the second sentence onward (change of "when" to "once" in first sentence; many changes in subsequent):
However, once the chairs issue a Call for Consensus (CfC), objections should not be raised unless the individual strongly believes the decision is the wrong one in spite of discussion, and the individual cannot "live with" the decision. Compromise is an essential part of group decisions. This requires individuals to participate actively in modes of discussion, but "live with" points they consider suboptimal once reaching CfC.

<ol>
<li> Discussion on a topic proceeds until the chairs believe that all points of view have been expressed and the group has considered the variety of information presented. Depending on the topic, this discussion may take a couple of days or a couple of weeks, or more.
<ol>
<li> Discussion can take place in any <a href="./communication">recognized channel of the Working Group</a> including email on the AG mailing list, comment threads for GitHub issues or pull requests, or on Working Group calls. </li>
<li> Discussion can take place in any <a href="./communication">recognized channel of the Working Group</a> including email on the public AG mailing list, AG surveys, comment threads for GitHub issues or pull requests, or on Working Group calls. </li>
</ol>
</li>
<li> When the chairs believe that the group is ready to come to a decision they announce a Call for Consensus by email to the Working Group's mailing list. The Call must remain open for a minimum of two working days.
<ol>
<li> The Call is open to responses from all group members. </li>
<li> The Call is open to responses from all <a href="https://www.w3.org/groups/wg/ag/participants">group participants</a>. </li>
Copy link
Member

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Is there a difference between member and participant? Are you going back to "in good standing"?

<li>The Call will be for a single topic, will clearly indicate that it is a Call for Consensus, and will contain pointers to the relevant discussion. This may include links to GitHub issues or pull requests, AG surveys, email threads, or meeting minutes.</li>
<li> A resolution recorded in a WG teleconference may precede a Call for Consensus, but it may not replace the official Call for Consensus. </li>
<li> Issues that are regarded as editorial by the Chairs do not require a Working Group decision in order for the Chairs to address, and thus do not require a Call for Consensus. If there is disagreement by participants on whether something is editorial this can be brought to the attention of the chairs either privately or in the context of the wider group. </li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>Responding to the Call for Consensus<ol>
<li>Individuals are invited, but not required, to support the decision by replying to the CfC email with “+1”, or to indicate a “can live with” status by replying with a “+0”.</li>
<li>Objections can be raised by replying to the CfC email with “-1”. In order to facilitate understanding and discussion, it is recommended to include a rationale which includes:<ol>
<li>why the individual objects to the proposed decision;</li>
<li>describes how the objection was raised and considered during discussion leading to the CfC, including how reactions to the potential objection were addressed;</li>
<li>what alternate decision would remove the objection <b>and</b> be likely to gain consensus in the WG.</li>
</ol></li>
<li>Objections are subject to examination by the WG and therefore must be filed on the public record.</li>
Copy link
Member

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Does this include who raised the objection or just that the content of the objection needs to be public?

Copy link
Contributor

@mbgower mbgower Mar 8, 2021

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

@awkawk if they are raising objection via an email response, doesn't that automatically provide a 'who'?

Copy link
Contributor

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Not if they email the chairs only to raise the objection.

</ol></li>
<li>Evaluating the Call for Consensus.
<ol>
<li>If no objections are received by the deadline, the draft decision becomes a formal decision of the Working Group. </li>
<li>If objections are received but the chairs believe the objections have already been considered as far as is possible and reasonable, and the reviewers providing the objections can "live with” the decision, the draft decision becomes a formal decision of the Working Group. </li>
<li>If objections are received that the chairs believe present substantive new information or if the chairs believe there is not a clear consensus in the Working Group, they will reopen the discussion, as detailed in <a href="http://www.w3.org/Consortium/Process/#WGChairReopen">section 3.3.4 of the Process Document (Reopening a Decision When Presented With New Information)</a>.</li>
<li>If working group member(s) continue to disagree and the chairs do not believe it presents substantive new information, or it does not meet the criteria established for adding new normative content, the chairs may decide the draft decision becomes a formal decision of the Working Group despite the objection.</li>
<li>If objections are received but the chairs believe the objections have already been considered as far as is possible and reasonable, and the reviewers providing the objections can “live with” the decision, the draft decision becomes a formal decision of the Working Group. </li>
<li>If the substance of the objections was raised during discussion leading to the CfC, the chairs may give more consideration to those objections than to objections which were not raised during the discussion leading to the CfC, and reasonably could have been.</li>
Copy link
Member

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Same comment as above.

Copy link
Contributor

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Yeah, I think the last new bullet can go. If someone raises an objection that has already been covered and addressed, that should be easier to respond to adequately. I think that is covered by the first new bullet, and I support it.
However, if someone raises a wholly new concern, that should get full attention. I get how you want folks to take part in discussion, but I think the first new bullet addresses that.

<li>If objections are received that the chairs believe present substantive new information that could not have been raised before or is extremely compelling, or if the chairs believe there is not a clear consensus in the Working Group, they will reopen the discussion, as detailed in <a href="http://www.w3.org/Consortium/Process/#WGChairReopen">section 3.3.4 of the Process Document (Reopening a Decision When Presented With New Information)</a>.</li>
<li>If working group member(s) continue to disagree and the chairs do not believe it presents substantive new information, or it does not meet the criteria established for adding new normative content, the chairs may decide the draft decision becomes a formal decision of the Working Group despite the objection. In this case the objection will be recorded alongside the decision in the AG Decisions page.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>The Working Group chairs record the Formal Decisions on the <a href="./wiki/Decisions">AG Decisions page</a> on the wiki. The change to the WCAG documents is incorporated into the editors draft and recorded in the appropriate change log.</li>
Expand Down