Re: RFD: Kernel release numbering

[Jeff Garzik]

Linus Torvalds wrote:
> I've long since decided that there's no point to making "-pre". What's the 
> difference between a "-pre" and a daily -bk snapshot? Really?

Several non-BK developers use the first -rc1 as a merge point.

Others simply trust that _Linus_ has a lot more smarts than an automated 
script, about deciding when a good testing point should occur.  Holy 
Penguin Pee has value, they feel.


> So when I do a release, it _is_ an -rc. The fact that people have trouble 
> understanding this is not _my_ fault.

If you want people to start testing, a good first step would be 
understanding why this is so.

Users have been trained that -rc means "serious bugfixes only".  You are 
trying to re-train them.  That just won't work.

When you do an -rc1 or -rc2, it is not serious bugfixes only. 
_Especially_ rc1.  rc1 is in no way "bugfixes only."  Non-BK developers 
just treat the first couple -rc's as a merge point, while the rest of us 
BK developers have already gone into "send bugfixes only" mode.

You are fighting an uphill battle against user perceptions and training.

	Jeff


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