[FFmpeg-devel] [POLL][RFC] Merge vs Cherry pick for integration of changes

[Rémi Denis-Courmont]

Le perjantaina 22. elokuuta 2025, 15.59.14 Itä-Euroopan kesäaika Michael 
Niedermayer via ffmpeg-devel a écrit :
> > Since you tagged the GA on this, I am going to go ahead and request that
> > a formal GA vote, which I assume will be conducted before any action, must
> > have the option to vote that we respect Paul's request (and arguably, his
> > legal right) to not merge his work into FFmpeg.
> 
> This here is a simple (and transparent) vote
> Using the mailing list allows people also to discuss and explain their
> reasonings (like you did here)

I think that is common knowledge but here goes...

A public ballot, also known as plebiscite, is by nature a performative 
exercise.

A secret ballot allows people to express their opinion based purely on the 
technical and moral merits without the fear of a bad perception and self-
censorship.

> I do think there is value in hearing the reasonings of people and not
> just seeing a number of how many are in favor vs against.

It's fine to discuss/debate this publicly. That has nothing to do with how to 
decide. In fact, this obviously needs to happen before the *informed* decision 
is made.

As a member of the CC and the GA, I agree with Niklaas that any license change 
needs a GA vote. And obviously that preempts any discussion of how to merge 
the code.

-- 
Rémi Denis-Courmont
Villeneuve de Tapiola, ex-République finlandaise d´Uusimaa