[webkit-dev] [Bulk] Re: MIPS port problem - cti_op_put_by_id slow case problem

[Adam Treat]

On Wednesday 17 June 2009 06:24:32 pm Adam Treat wrote:
> It would be nice if every change that is envisioned will eventually be
> merged back into the official repository to be developed in the open, but
> that is just not realistic given the commercial world we live in.

I would also add that in my personal opinion and experience the business 
reasons often cited for hiding behind a closed door during the initial 
development of a new feature are dubious at best and real hindrances (even 
crippling hindrances) at worst.

Too often I think companies involved with Open Source choose to develop some 
new feature behind a closed door almost as an a priori default position.  In 
my experience this often leads to a lot of headaches when interacting with the 
community much as we are starting to see here.  Moveover, the actual business 
value of such initial closed development is often just assumed.  

I think it would behoove companies that are involved with WebKit to rethink 
these initial assumptions and actually make sure that whatever PR value they 
get from announcing there brand new swanky feature that has been developed 
behind a closed door, is actually greater than the negative repercussions that 
come from doing so.

Cheers,
Adam