Re: [PATCH 5/6] MN10300: Add the MN10300/AM33 architecture to the kernel [try #5]

[Adrian Bunk <bunk@kernel.org>]

On Sat, Nov 10, 2007 at 11:43:20AM -0800, Andrew Morton wrote:
> On Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:18:50 +0000 David Howells <dhowells@redhat.com> wrote:
>...
> > has a couple of examples on it's front page.  If you work through the menus of
> > modern Panasonic tellies, you might find a URL pointing somewhere on this
> > website that isn't reachable by linking from the index page of the website.
> > 
> > I don't know who else uses this CPU, but it's possible MEI sell them to other
> > companies.
> 
> If it is indeed the case that this architecture is used internally by a
> single organisation then perhaps it doesn't make sense for us to merge it.
> 
> One of the main reasons we put code into the kernel is as a means of
> distribution: to get it into the hands of people who need it.  But in this
> situation there is no advantage to *anyone* from this merge apart from MEI.
> 
> IOW, the submitter gains and everyone else loses.  It's a curious situation.
>...

You miss the point that we want people to be able to use Linux in such 
situations.

There are basically two choices:
- Either tell them code won't get merged and offer some degree of API
  stability in exchange or
- allow all code with >= 1 users to enter the kernel. [1]

With the current development model (and the mere amount of changes 
merged), the first choice is not possible.

The only reason for not merging it [1] would be if it would be 
unmaintained and bitrot, but considering that David is already doing a 
good job at maintaining the frv port that's not an issue here.

cu
Adrian

[1] assuming the code itself is considered OK

-- 

       "Is there not promise of rain?" Ling Tan asked suddenly out
        of the darkness. There had been need of rain for many days.
       "Only a promise," Lao Er said.
                                       Pearl S. Buck - Dragon Seed