RFC: Merge Request documenting a contributor-initiated orphaning process in the Developers Reference

Andreas Tille <[email protected]> Wed, 1 Jul 2026 10:30:15 +0200

Newsgroups	gmane.linux.debian.devel.general
Message-ID	<[email protected]>

Hi,

Following the recent discussion about packages that appear to lack
active maintenance, I have prepared a Merge Request against the
Developers Reference that attempts to document a possible
contributor-initiated orphaning workflow.

The proposal is intended as an optional workflow for contributors who
encounter packages that appear to lack active maintenance but who do not
wish to become the package's long-term maintainer themselves.

It complements the existing orphaning and salvaging procedures by
providing a documented workflow for contributors willing to investigate
a package's maintenance status and prepare the necessary QA action.

Compared to the original discussion, I have tried to incorporate the
feedback received on debian-devel by:

 * making the workflow package-centric rather than maintainer-centric
 * treating the listed criteria as non-exhaustive indicators rather than
   mandatory requirements
 * making the opportunities for the Maintainer and Uploaders to object
   explicit

I would appreciate review of both the proposed workflow and whether the
Developers Reference is the appropriate place to document it.

The Merge Request is available here:

  https://salsa.debian.org/debian/developers-reference/-/merge_requests/85

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Kind regards
   Andreas.

-- 
https://fam-tille.de

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