[tz] Policy Suggestion: Minimum time period betwen releases

[Rany Hany]

Also I forgot to mention that most vendors have a significant delay in 
updating their tz database, which means that even if a country provides 
notice to the maintainers one month prior to a change, it will not be 
reflected on other devices in a timely manner. This makes it even more 
important to issue updates in a timely manner without delay.


On 3/27/23 20:13, Rany Hany via tz wrote:
> While I understand your frustration with recent chaos caused by poor 
> planning, I have to respectfully reject your proposal for the 
> following reasons:
>
> Firstly, implementing a 30-day minimum period between releases would 
> punish users who have outdated tzdata solely because they are ruled by 
> incompetent governments. While it may be easy to blame politicians for 
> poor planning, citizens and businesses should not be penalized for 
> factors beyond their control.
>
> Secondly, deliberately making the latest tzinfo inaccurate would only 
> lead to more issues rather than solve them. Accurate and up-to-date 
> time zone information is essential for global communication and 
> coordination, and any intentional inaccuracy would create confusion 
> and further chaos.
>
> Best
>
> On 3/27/23 19:46, Howard Hinnant via tz wrote:
>
>> Recent events have brought to my attention the need to put a damper 
>> on chaos caused by poor planning.  When governments give little 
>> notice to changes in time zone rules, this is not a problem that this 
>> group can fix, or should even try.
>>
>> I propose a minimum period of 30 days between successive IANA tz 
>> database releases.  The train leaves the station no more frequently 
>> than once every 30 days (and will probably be less frequent).  
>> Whatever information is solid before the release date makes it on the 
>> train.  Otherwise it can wait another 30 days (at least).
>>
>> My recommendation is in part based on this common statement:
>>
>>      Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on 
>> my part
>> https://www.incirlik.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/303134/poor-planning-on-your-part-does-not-constitute-an-emergency-on-my-part/
>>
>> This week’s chaos isn’t unusual.  In fact it is normal, especially 
>> for some countries.  If they can’t be bothered to make a plan in 
>> advance and stick with it, I don’t see why this group of volunteers 
>> needs to compensate for that.  Let the politicians lie in the beds 
>> they make.
>>
>> Howard
>>