On 06/03/13 11:55, Robert O'Callahan wrote:
> On Wed, Mar 6, 2013 at 8:54 AM, Gavin Sharp <ga...@gavinsharp.com> wrote:
> Bustage detection rate isn't just a function of the user populations on
> each channel; it's also a function of time. Six months of testing on beta
> is better than six weeks. I don't know how much better but I'd like to!
> Letting changes like this progress to beta and then stay there for several
> releases might be a good idea, and if we get some experience with it we
> might be able to estimate the value of different lengths of time.
>
> Rob
My observation is that discussions about obsoleting things seem to
follow a certain pattern:
1. Someone proposes that feature X needs to be obsoleted. Usually for
the right reasons.
2. The usual suspects chime in about the cost and ask for it to not be
obsoleted.
3. More often than not the conclusion is to continue supporting the feature.
So while there is value in obsoleting things it is usually considered to
be too expensive. There is value in obsoleting things. It is a good
thing to do because it allows both us and the web platform to move past
outdated (or poor) design decisions.
We should take this opportunity to consider the bigger picture of how we
can be more systematic about obsoleting things. We can also do things
that will reduce the cost of obsoleting things. Some ideas for an
obsolescence plan are:
* Obsolete the feature for n cycles on nightly before progressing
* Stage the obsolescence:
- Console warnings
- Banner warning (at the top of the site)
- Feature removal
* Warnings could link to a page with a full explanation of the
obsolescence including rationale and recommendations
There may be other paths that we can follow to reduce the cost of
obsolescence. If we are systematic about it then we can put the right
infrastructure in place to take the hassle out of cranking through such
a process.
Anthony
_______________________________________________
dev-platform mailing list
dev-platform@lists.mozilla.org
https://lists.mozilla.org/listinfo/dev-platform
