Re: controlling how long before archiving?

[Felix Lechner]

Hi Karl,

On Sat, Dec 30 2023, Karl Berry wrote:

> Is it possible to control how long debbugs will wait before archiving a
> bug? For a particular list, not in general.

That could probably be implemented on a per-project basis. After all,
projects manage all other bug statuses independently, as well.

The Debbugs version in Debian uses another solution. As distribution,
they use release-based criteria for all their shipped packages. The
rules are arcane but, as an example, release-critical bugs have to be
fixed in Debian's stable release before they can be archived. [1] That
can extend the deadline by the usual time between freezes, which can be
up to a year and half.

> For my use, I find it would be useful to wait longer before
> archiving.

Like you, I would probably prefer a longer delay but I also never
thought it was a big deal.

Archived bugs are a novelty to all who see them for the first time. The
step is largely an anti-spam measure. Anyone can comment on bugs.

What would be a good timeframe for archiving your bugs, please?

We could also make dealing with archived bugs more convenient in other
ways. For example, an upgrade to a more recent Debbugs version might
allow us to use the "reopen" command to unarchive bugs
automatically. [2]

> It is irritating to have to unarchive something that is only a couple
> of months old.

Why do you wish to comment on a bug that was fixed? Was the bug closed
improperly?

Kind regards
Felix

[1] See "Version tracking" https://wiki.debian.org/HowtoUseBTS
[2] https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=103803