AOL
Since everyone else seems to give their opinion on DPL candidates over at Planet Debian, I'll join the chorus. Since I've met and know most of the candidates, I'll focus on what cannot be in their platform: their personality.
- Jeroen Van Wolffelaar: I've met him in person a few times (at FOSDEM, and at DebConf5 in Helsinki), and his dedication to and passion about Debian is... wonderful. His experience with being in the DPL team last year and his infrastructural involvement in the FTP team should mean that he's quite up to date on Debian's big picture.
- Ari Pollak: ha. ha. hah.
- Steve McIntyre: Also someone I know from both previous FOSDEMs and DebConf5. The impression I have from Steve is that he's someone who has a very (very) clear view on how Free Software in general, and the Debian project specifically, works. He's a very nice guy, easy to work with in the encounters I've had with him, and has the sort of calm but focussed attitude you'd expect from someone who's done a lot of things in his time, and therefore isn't all that easily impressed by new but short-lived manies anymore. Which, I think, is a virtue for a leader; a leader should be focused on the long-term benefits, not on the short-term fun. I expect him to be able to disconnect himself from immediate issues, instead having a look at the big picture when required.
- Anthony Towns: a difficult one to form an opinion about. Aj has been a long-time valuable and dedicated contributor to the project; for that, he deserves (and receives) my respect and praise. He can be expected to know the project inside out, which is something very helpful for a DPL.
- Andreas Schuldei: When Andreas mentions in his platform that he's got great leadership capabilities, he isn't lying, as everyone looking at how DebConf is organized can see. However, the few times that I met him in person, there was something subconsciously that now makes me think twice to vote for him. I don't know what it is. I'll still rank him pretty high, but not as number 1.
- Jonathan Walther: This guy needs a reality check. No, really.
- Bill Allombert: Also someone whom I've met a number of times at FOSDEM. Bill is a bit of a modest, timid guy with a passion for Debian and Free Software. Though I respect him as a person and for the work he does in Debian, I don't think he has the perfect personality to become a DPL. No offense, Bill; but you'll end up rather low on my list.
That being said, I'm not entirely sure he'd be the perfect DPL candidate. All his passion and dedication aside, he's rather new(ish) to the project (having received his Debian account only one or two years ago, IIRC), and might not have the experience one would expect from someone who's been with Debian for a longer time. That's not a fatal flaw, but it does mean I'm a bit... reserved as to his candidacy. I'll still rank him pretty high, but not as number one.
I think the message is clear: Steve is going to get my #1 vote.
However, I don't think it's a secret that aj and I disagree on certain issues of the social aspects of the Debian project. Since his platform specifically mentions those things, I don't think I'll be ranking him very high on my list. I won't object to him becoming DPL, however, and I'll still be happy should he be our DPL. Just not as much as if it were Steve.
Additionally, Anthony has a bit of a tendency to be imposing his view on others, which I think is a bad quality for a DPL. He's aware of that, however, and claimed he'll try to avoid making that mistake, which is helpful.
Oh, and what's with the singing? 