Committee Topic: Issue Management on GitHub

#1 I've noticed a few of the issues have developed into off-topic rants on the merits of using favourite technology X to replace some component. As much as I like discussing such things, there comes a point when it becomes ridiculous and does little to generate a resolution to the issue at hand.

In light of this, I suggest that people please try and keep discussions on-topic, and if necessary make a new issue to discuss things which diverge from the topic at hand.

#2 I would think actual bug/problem reports and user resolutions (with links) should be the focus of the Issues section on GitGub.

Discussions, rants, etc would be better served here.

#3 One of the more useful things about GitHub's "issue tracker" is it's tagging ability. In just about every project I've ever worked on, the issue tracker has been a place for feature requests, bug reports, tasks, etc.

My concern with splitting the two (GG website and the GitHub issue tracker) is that you're potentially segmenting the community. Not everyone is going to have an account on the GG website and even fewer will take the time to sign up. That split just seems very undesirable.

#4 Seems like one way to handle it would be to encourage most general discussion to be posted here, but to have a link on the forums here (as a stand-in for one of the high level forum names) that brings people to the GitHub issue tracker. That can be used for discussion related to bug reports and developing the engine (rather than for developing games that use the engine).

#5 I'm glad to see activity. It's good for a project.

The issue I see with conversation on a tracker is it might interfere with the intent of the tracker.

My suggestion would be to setup a new forum specifically for the T3D MIT project* and parallel it with the github repo in terms of visibility and navigation. It could be used as a communications tool for project insiders plus as an environment appropriate for conversation / community. I think this would resolve the fragmentation issue and professionalize the presentation so it is more cohesive.

I would brand the project forum / site as something like T3D MIT Project* powered by Garage Games. This would provide brand awareness for GG services (that is the revenue stream now, correct?) without confusing the "GG the software/artwork retailer" aspect into the mix.

Overall, I'd like to see a clear professional presentation and community environment that achieves the intent of the project and promotes GG services.

* does the project have a formal name?

#6 The tracker is for tracking issues with the project, not to track each individual's issue with the project. Keep general discussion where the community has always been.