The HTML Plan

Advisory Board Edition

Participation

Problem:
Large group ⇒ lack of focus ⇒ lack of participation
Solution:
Organize as a federation of smaller groups
Details:
Move work from Task Forces to Community Groups

Consensus

Problem:
Delegate while retaining consensus as a value
Solution:
Output of CG is input to WG
Details:
CG FSA becomes WG FPWD/ CR

Resources

Problem:
Lack of editor/test resources
Solution:
Reduce duplication, eliminate errata
Details:
Delegate bug triage to WHATWG;
annual HTML recommendations

Resources

Problem:
IPR issues are a stumbling block for working with WHATWG
Solution:
Embrace forking/merging as a mode of operation
Details:
Adopt W3C Software License for Specifications

Key differences

  • Reviewers are asked to file bugs against the WHATWG HTML spec
  • Automatic publishing - no cherry-picking
  • New work done in autonomous Community Groups
  • Encourage pull requests as a best practice for conflict resolution.

Key dates

  • Updated HTML 5.1 Editor's draft: February 2015
  • Deployment of plan by WG: during the spring F2F
  • Rechartering of group: June 2015
  • HTML 5.1 Recommendation: year end 2015 (aggressive target)

Open Questions to the AB

  • Is delegating triage of HTML bugs to the WHATWG acceptable?
  • Is our proposed handling of errata acceptable?
  • Does the AB have an opinion on our “supergroup” organisation?
  • Is our licensing strategy good?
  • Is our plan likely to lead to better browser vendor engagement?
  • Given a CG-based model, what is the incentive for Members to participate?

The Gory Details

This presentation focused on participation and the WHATWG.

Enquiring minds should feel free to consult the full plan.

Thank you!

Questions?