Minutes of SunPy Board Meeting 20170922

Date of Meeting

22 September 2017

Attendance

Present: Steven Christe (Chair), Sabrina Savage (Secretary), Albert Shih, Juan Carlos Martinez Oliveros, Monica Bobra, David Perez-Suarez, Kevin Reardon, Jack Ireland

Absent: Stuart Mumford, Russ Hewett

Meeting Notes

Versioning Discussion:

• How to handle releases?

  • Stuart wants to define a 1.0 release as the next version (soon): 0.9->1.0
  • 1.0 would mean that the existing API is stable
    • Contents would not change drastically
    • Constitutes a "real release" (i.e. diverging from beta release)
  • 2.0 would indicate another significant change

• Versioning control system (VCS)?

  • Semantic VCS option
    • Major numbers incremented with API changes
    • Stuart's preference
  • Steven proponent of using "1.0" to define "feature complete"
    • Equivalent to having all of the base classes defined
    • It was noted that spectrum base is missing, needs a lot of work

• Decision handling?

  • Does the board formalize the VCS?
  • If not, what happens if the lead developer changes?
    • Not desirable for the VCS to change based on developer.
  • Agreement that the board should have say in the framework (but not necessarily the choice of system).
    • Consensus that Stuart will take lead on choice of VCS.

Potential SPD funding/support

• Monica discussed the possibility of funding support with the SPD committee at the August SPD meeting in Portland
  • SPD noted that they are not a funding agency but was open to helping out within their capacity to do so
    • Cannot be for funding development.
  • Need to provide a letter with a specific request from the board indicating how funds are used
  • Board discussed funding request options that aligned with SPD goals (diversity, inclusion, community engagement)
    • Examples:
      • Workshops (evening vs. dedicated; advanded vs. beginners)
      • Prize: reward system for development to increase usage and recognition
      • Funding a junior person to support as a deputy lead developer
      • Advocating to agencies/advisory committees.
        • What are the boundaries on agency outreach?
        • Need information on SPD public policy.
      • Does the SPD have any concession on OpenSource codes, etc.?
      • Servers/infrastructure
        • Analytics; replacement for "readthedocs"
  • Discussion of how an additional funding source interacts with NumFOCUS funding
    • Does funding need to go through NumFOCUS?
    • Noted that SunPy cannot hold money.
    • The only funds available to SunPy currently (very small amount) is through NumFOCUS.
      • NumFOCUS is an avenue for accepting funds.
    • Steven advocated for donating to NumFOCUS through SPD, if possible.
  • Jack to attend NumFOCUS sustainability summit Oct. 10-11, will raise this issue
  • Discussion about general concern over whether institutions or individuals should donate funds.
    • Monica raised the issue that people take these community tools for granted, which has been noted in published articles.
  • Board agreed to pursue more information
    • Jack will interface with NumFOCUS
    • Sabrina will interface with the SPD committee

AOB

• Steven discussed IRISPy with Bart De Pontieu.
  • Bart interested in having someone from IRIS on board.
  • Steven to pursue reasoning and pros/cons.
  • What consequences would this have for other similar projects?
  • Decision TBD.