On the State of the Feather

[Sally Khudairi <sk...@apache.org>]

[this post is available online at https://s.apache.org/Lz3t ]

One of the great things about Apache is that we're all about the
individual (contributor). No one has higher rank/status over another.
We're not pay-to-play: no-one can "buy" their way in. Titles are for
organizational purposes only: a Vice President of a project doesn't
carry any more weight than any other member of a project management
committee, for example.

We have diverse backgrounds, opinions, and experiences. Each person has
their own preferences and personal style, and we celebrate that. Whilst
we do adhere to The Apache Way, we don’t impose "corporate conformity"
directives on anyone, from our support staff to our executive
leadership.

As technologists (and perfectionists), we're trained to look for bugs
and are always looking for ways to make things better. And, in keeping
with our tenets of openness, our matter-of-fact communication style can
sometimes be perceived as too honest and transparent.

In light of that, it might be easy to misinterpret the intent of the
State of The Feather presentation https://s.apache.org/Dxy5 by ASF
President Sam Ruby at ApacheCon last week:

   This isn't another "the ASF is great" presentation where I will talk
   about how we do things differently/better than others.

   Instead, this is a talk where I identify what works and where there
   is more work that needs to be done.

   TL;DR
   We've been around for 18 years.
   We're continuing to grow by every measure.

   We expect to continue to be around.
   We expect to continue to grow.
   ...Perhaps even a bit too fast.

   I'm not saying it is easy…


As with any organization managing dramatic business growth, meeting
these challenges presents unique opportunities, which, at times, may not
be an easy feat with an all-volunteer Board overseeing a nearly
all-volunteer organization. Luckily for us, we are well-versed in the
mantra "If it isn't hard, it isn't worth doing". With more than 18 years
of successfully honing our process of developing, incubating, and
shepherding projects under our belt, we are well prepared to overcome
operational demands.

The Foundation's ongoing transformation is driven by existing Apache
projects and an impressive number of new innovations undergoing
incubation. The collective Apache community continues to be highly
productive, as summarized every week https://s.apache.org/oVXb . Our
commitment to rise to the challenge is evident, as demonstrated at
ApacheCon. We are proud of our achievements and look forward to sharing
our successes in the upcoming Annual Report.

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