New Maintainer for MC Project?

[Fudoki Wilkinson]

Mr. Icaza,

Have read your egomaniacal screed and must thank you for giving me a good 
laugh this morning. Can't say as I have ever been told I was without merit 
in area of computers and technology. I'll be sure to look you up next April, 
assuming you are still with Novell then, and you can tell me to my face. 
Perhaps by then you will have discovered who you have been insulting. In the 
meantime, enjoy your job...

Since it is not my policy to argue with fools, that's all I will say along 
those lines.

See below:


On 6/5/05, Miguel de Icaza <miguel at ximian.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> Thanks for offering to become the new maintainer for Midnight
> Commander. I do not want you to become the "Project Manager" for a
> number of reasons:
> 
> * In open source, maintainers are chosen by their merits, before
> today I have never heard of you. It is a meritocracy, you
> have shown none so far.


Well I suppose since I have avoided your all encompassing, omnipotent gaze - 
that I must be a figment of my own imagination! But your display of 
ignorance in no way belittles my accomplishments in the world of technology, 
up until my retirement at age 45 back in 2000. I was making technological 
breakthroughs when you were still in Mexico dreaming of being an American.

You are a legend in your own mind, and you fantasize if you think that your 
recognition, or approval, means anything. I helped build the infrastructure 
you now rely upon. You would not have a job, were it not for me, and others 
like me - yet you think you are the innovator - you are the rooster, taking 
credit for the sunrise, my boy.

* In open source, I have never seen a "project manager", this is
> an invention of the standard software industry. There is no
> "project manager" for Linux, Samba, x-Windows.


Well you have now - write down this date! To be lectured by a "Open Source 
sell-out" with a corporate title almost 40 characters long is somewhat 
amusing. You should have saved your energy.

Can't understand how a big corporate mogul like yourself would get so upset 
about us *calling a thing by it's name*. The only title I care anything 
about is "Retired" (at 45). I guess it's hard for you to imagine a person 
who is not obsessed with constant ego stroking - but there are really some 
people who have nothing more to prove. I am one of them.

* Maintainers are people with deep understanding of the codebase
> and the language the code is written in, so they can make
> decisions as to what is best for the project on technical
> grounds.


Well I only know, have taught (college level), and programmed in somewhere 
between 12 and 15 programming languages - so I will not claim to be any kind 
of great technology genius like you.

Since I explained in detail why I was asked to coordinate the MC Project if 
we took it on, I will not repeat myself, other than to say that I rely on 
the programmers in the Krusader Project, who are Senior Programmers at Zend, 
The PHP Company - they are also the authors of Krusader, and pretty darn 
good programmers by any measure, probably better than you; Shie is a kernel 
programmer, who has ported Linux to the custom PowerPC SPC and written a 
book about it <Custom Linux: A Porting
Guide<http://www.tldp.org/LDP/cpg/html/index.html>>
- published by the Linux Documentation Project - and Rafi is one of the main 
authors of the PHP value added modules. I find that quite sufficient, and 
believe it or not, don't really care what you think. That's why I didn't ask 
you....

I also think that the MC Project Developers would probably appreciate being 
listened to instead of being dictated to, and to have their opinions valued, 
instead of dismissed. Your note never mentions the MC Developers at all. 
Why?

As an engineer, application designer, and programmer for 28 years, I have 
found that programmers consistently make poor project managers, and would 
point to you as a great example of this, as others have done. If you are 
such a great Manager, why has the MC development effort been stalled for 
three years?

Who knows, it might be a relief for the MC Developers to work with someone 
who has been successful in *all aspects* of technology, not *just* 
programming. To work with someone who respects what they do instead of 
letting them know they will never be as great as them. One specifically 
asked for this in writing. What was he thinking?

But I forget - *you don't work with the developers, or the project*, you're 
too busy with your day job. Are you saying you are going to quit Novell and 
come and save Midnight Commander - of is this just caca del pollo jactancia?

Perhaps you plan to get Novell programmers to fill the gap, "suggesting" 
they help in their spare time. Having only worked with Novell for about 19 
years, I can only guess at their reaction to an approach of that kind, 
should they find out. But how could that happen?

You may be a bright programmer, but you leave a lot to be desired when it 
come to being a human being.


* You exhibit the behavior of many people who have no ideas
> whatsoever about the project but like big titles. "Public
> Relations Coordinator", "the leadership", and "Project
> Manager".


And you exhibit the behavior of a myopic, egocentric programmer who thinks 
he knows everything and everyone else does not.

To date, any "ideas about the project" would surpass the *vaporware* MC 
users have gotten.

Again, it is so odd to be lectured by a Vice-President of etc., etc., etc., 
etc. at The Novell Corporation about "big titles". To be told I "have no 
ideas whatsoever about the project", what, are you also a psychic? Since you 
are, then you know just how entertained I am going to be at what is in your 
future. Yep! I'm a psychic too. But I keep my information to myself, if it 
would appear arbitrary, abusive, and insulting - especially if I don't know 
the person.....

Maybe you don't know who I am *because your experience is just too recent*, 
or your education too incomplete. Not my problem - you're the one making a 
fool of himself; and doing it so well!

At least my note was friendly and did not verbally abuse people I do not 
know....

* MC should not be part of the "Krusader family", it is
> an independent project, not part of a suite.


And soon, it will be NO PROJECT... At least if it continues without some 
competent leadership. Perhaps you or Pavel plan to quit your jobs?

Part of a suite?? I know English is a second language to you, but all my 
notes are very clear on how we view the MC Project. Are you stoned or 
stupid? "The Krusader family" refers to how people are treated in our 
project. You know, the opposite of how you treat people.

The people in the Krusader Project are all friends, and we *act like it*. We 
do not have the strife and drama that you seem to enjoy. People on our team 
are happy. Can you say that? Our users are happy. Can you say that? We are 
receiving great product reviews and great feedback from our users and distro 
makers. Can you say that?

We are referring to a people family, NOT a product family... Comprende?

We keep our promises and don't walk away from half-done projects. Can you 
say that? We don't betray and lay off the people who helped us get ahead so 
we can make more money. Can you say that? We are driven by a quest for 
excellence, not ego. Can you say that? Our developers always come first. Can 
you say that? When you are developer in our group, you are *treated like 
family* because we *really* care. Can you say that? People are not just 
objects to be used, mere things, to us. Can you say that? No, you can not 
say that.....

For all you know, the person you so arrogantly insult could have a 
relationship with your employer that goes back decades. Why he could be a 
joint patet holder with your employer, or have a brother on the Board of 
Directors; but you would have checked on this before insulting a stranger in 
a public forum, wouldn't you?? I mean. you're not a FOOL, are you?

And the people who really know me will be rolling on the floor laughing at 
you if they see your ugly note, with insult after insult, confidently 
delivered. Or when someone emails them a copy..... But who would do that? Is 
there *anyone* who would like to see you get the blunt end of something big 
right up the most delicate part of your career? Probably not. You have 
probably only made friends throughout your short career and have nothing to 
worry about. Judging from this note to me, a complete stranger to you, I 
would say you're in real good shape.... 

* I dislike people who misspell: "Krusader" and "Krew".


I dislike people who are self-righteous, self-promoting, abusive, petty, 
small minded, jerks. Guess that means we won't be going out for drinks 
later....

* Tell the "Leadership" that thanks, but no thanks.


If you want to tell them, tell them yourself. I'm not your errand boy.

As I stated previously, if we have problems in Midnight Commander, I
> will step in as its maintainer or suggest someone actively involved (or
> which has been actively involved in the past) to do so.


If you have problems??????? Have you been on another planet? Oh, I forget, 
you have been in your "corporate ivory tower". Our kind offer of help was in 
response to the friendly *invitation* of your current Maintainer, and the 
*posted messages* of your developers, and your users. Perhaps you should 
talk to Pavel sometime, he welcomed and encouraged our offer. Alternatively, 
you could read the MC Mailing Lists.

Our kind offer of help was invited by the current Maintainer, who now has a 
problem on his hands, even larger than his previous problem. You see, your 
insults and abuse has earned you a new "fan", and the first thing I am going 
to do as your newest "buddy", is get out of your way so you can show the 
world how you step in and save the day with your mighty power. Use it quick, 
because a fool and his power is soon parted, or was that a fool and his 
money? No matter same thing, isn't it?

Accordingly, in consideration of Mr. Icaza's very ugly letter, it is clear 
that doing anything to assist or improve anything that might positively 
reflect on Mr. Icaza is something we would now avoid at all costs. Some 
people deserve all they earn, and I promise I will do everything I can to 
see you get what you deserve. You might just be surprised how good at it 
someone without merit or skill can be.

We appreciate Pavel's friendly encouragement, and Leonard's openminded and 
professional courtesy. Leonard, we truly sympathize and would like to help, 
the door is always open; but there are just some people whose work is better 
left to decay, and Mr. Icaza has shown us our mistake in thinking MC was 
worth the significant erffort we were willing to put into it. There's always 
Worker.

Roland must be Mr. Icaza's protege, just slinging abuse and saying no before 
the offer is even on the table; but he had already been identified as a "cry 
baby" and had no future with the Krew; mainly due to his private notes to 
our Marketing Manager blasting the MC Project and it's Maintainers. Making a 
change is one thing, betraying your own team and backbiting is another. 
Roland and Mr. Icaza should work well together.

The rudeness of Roland, and the immature, trailer trash, abusivness of Mr. 
Icaza are duly noted. I'm sure the folks at Novell will be impressed with 
the way in which their Vice President has handled this situation. 
Representing a major corporation is a big responsibility, a 24/7 
responsibility, and I am sure your representation of them in this matter 
will not go overlooked, or unrewarded considering Novell's objective of 
successfully gaining positive "mindshare" in the Open Source Community. With 
Mr. Icaza's representations style, we can all be sure a big impression will 
be made.... Remember what they were saying in the Annual Report, and those 
handouts. You did 'em proud! So you see, Mr. Icaza's note, and the follow 
up: 

The question is whether he can execute successfully on those, and every
bit of his email rubbed me in the wrong way.  Seen this pattern too many
times in the past to recognize it.

Really leave no decision to be made on my part. Will Mr. Icaza ever know if 
I "can execute successfully"? Only time will tell, but I will say he will 
definitely know if the answer is yes! How will he know? Well it *won't* be 
from an ugly letter from a stranger, I will tell you that much.

As of 1800hrs, 5 June 2005, the Krusader Krew's offer of assistance to the 
Midnight Commander Project is withdrawn.

We would like to apologize to the MC List for even suggesting you had a 
problem, dispite what your Maintainers, Developers, and Users may say. Mr. 
Icaza has set us straight and we honestly meant no harm with our , we 
realize now, foolish offer of aide.

You can be sure that in future, should you need assistance or face 
difficulty, that we will not trouble you further with offers of generous 
help and unqualified support. 


Sincerely,

W. T. "Fudoki" Wilkinson
Public Relations Coordinator
The Krusader Krew <http://krusader.sourceforge.net/dev.php>


Miguel.
> 



On 6/5/05, Miguel de Icaza <miguel at ximian.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> Thanks for offering to become the new maintainer for Midnight
> Commander. I do not want you to become the "Project Manager" for a
> number of reasons:
> 
> * In open source, maintainers are chosen by their merits, before
> today I have never heard of you. It is a meritocracy, you
> have shown none so far.
> 
> * In open source, I have never seen a "project manager", this is
> an invention of the standard software industry. There is no
> "project manager" for Linux, Samba, x-Windows.
> 
> * Maintainers are people with deep understanding of the codebase
> and the language the code is written in, so they can make
> decisions as to what is best for the project on technical
> grounds.
> 
> * You exhibit the behavior of many people who have no ideas
> whatsoever about the project but like big titles. "Public
> Relations Coordinator", "the leadership", and "Project
> Manager".
> 
> * MC should not be part of the "Krusader family", it is
> an independent project, not part of a suite.
> 
> * I dislike people who misspell: "Krusader" and "Krew".
> 
> * Tell the "Leadership" that thanks, but no thanks.
> 
> As I stated previously, if we have problems in Midnight Commander, I
> will step in as its maintainer or suggest someone actively involved (or
> which has been actively involved in the past) to do so.
> 
> Miguel.
> 



On 6/5/05, Miguel de Icaza <miguel at ximian.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> Thanks for offering to become the new maintainer for Midnight
> Commander. I do not want you to become the "Project Manager" for a
> number of reasons:
> 
> * In open source, maintainers are chosen by their merits, before
> today I have never heard of you. It is a meritocracy, you
> have shown none so far.
> 
> * In open source, I have never seen a "project manager", this is
> an invention of the standard software industry. There is no
> "project manager" for Linux, Samba, x-Windows.
> 
> * Maintainers are people with deep understanding of the codebase
> and the language the code is written in, so they can make
> decisions as to what is best for the project on technical
> grounds.
> 
> * You exhibit the behavior of many people who have no ideas
> whatsoever about the project but like big titles. "Public
> Relations Coordinator", "the leadership", and "Project
> Manager".
> 
> * MC should not be part of the "Krusader family", it is
> an independent project, not part of a suite.
> 
> * I dislike people who misspell: "Krusader" and "Krew".
> 
> * Tell the "Leadership" that thanks, but no thanks.
> 
> As I stated previously, if we have problems in Midnight Commander, I
> will step in as its maintainer or suggest someone actively involved (or
> which has been actively involved in the past) to do so.
> 
> Miguel.
>
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