Adapting to COVID-19

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to have slowed Linux kernel development, although in-person gatherings are being abandoned in favor of online alternatives. For example, Josef Bacik announced in late April that the Linux Storage, Filesystem, and Memory Management Summit would be canceled this year. He added, "Next year the summit will be held in Palm Springs, on May 12-14, 2021 at the Riviera Palm Springs. A new CFP and registration will be held again, along with a new round of invites. The program committee will remain the same, and next year we will choose new members."

The issue is somewhat significant for the same reason that these in-person events started up in the first place. There's something different about online interactions. It's maybe the same difference that allows months-long flame wars on mailing lists but far fewer shouting matches in meeting rooms. And it's maybe the same difference that allows you to "forget" to answer an email, where you wouldn't forget to answer a question posed by someone sitting in the room while everyone looks at you expectantly.

Whatever the value of in-person hangouts for Linux development, it's a real value, and the kernel developers will have to find a substitute of similar value or else just deal with losing that value for a year or two.

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