Hi, As you surely know, Mandriva Linux is forked [1, 2, 3]. The fork is named Mageia [4]. Imho we (the Linux / Open Source / Free Software Community) have far too much distros [5] and we split our forces unnecessarily. I think the title of the openSUSE conference this year is brilliant: Collaboration across Borders [6] This is exactly what is needed. And here is our chance. The Mageia contributors are looking for a new home: an open, democratic and independent community. This is an excellent time to reach out a helping hand to our friends and offer them collaboration or even a new home. I don' know much about the technological differences (at least they use rpm, too) but from a strategic pov that would rock the open source world. Both projects are moving. Mageia just started and openSUSE is at a big step of change (strategy discussion), too. So it is possible that both projects can find the things they need. What we could do: - We can offer infrastructure (OBS as Build Service they are looking for, our wikis etc.) - Invite them to the openSUSE conference. Be spontaneous and offer them a place. If it helps, skip my talk. - Let's discuss how we could improve the collaboration. - Let them participate in the strategy discussion immediately. - If they join integrate them in the board. An essential step for them will be an independent openSUSE foundation / e.V. (because that is the reason they are leaving Mandriva). Building a community from scratch is a lot of work that could be saved. We have so much in common and united we are both stronger. If we could succeed that will be a strong signal to the world outside. So let's talk to them, let's invite them to cooperate and ask them what they would need to be able to join us. This chance is NOW! Cheers, Thomas [1] http://kdepi.wordpress.com/2010/09/18/mageia-forking-mandriva-linux-yes/ [2] http://colin.guthr.ie/2010/09/there-is-no-spoon-but-there-is-a-fork/ [3] http://linux.slashdot.org/story/10/09/18/1437248/Developers-Fork-Mandriva-Li... [4] http://mageia.org/ [5] http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/GNU-Linux_distro_timeline... [6] http://en.opensuse.org/Portal:Conference -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse-project+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse-project+help@opensuse.org