[tz] Policy Suggestion: Minimum time period betwen releases
Rany Hany
rany_hany at riseup.net
Mon Mar 27 17:18:12 UTC 2023
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 punish users who have outdated tzdata solely because they are ruled by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
>>
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