pkgsrc-2024Q4 branch planning

[Jonathan Perkin <jperkin%mnx.io@localhost>]

I will be running the pkgsrc-2024Q4 branch.  Due to a couple of factors, 
I would like for this to be an especially stable branch (where stable is 
defined as "works as well as possible on as many platforms as possible"):

  * It sounds like there is a shortage of volunteers to help maintain
    branches from 2025Q1 onwards, and their existence is in doubt.  This
    may be the last branch until 2025Q4.

  * I maintain an LTS for each Q4 branch, and it is in my interests to
    ensure it's a good one.

My rules are broadly along the same lines as gdt's:

  https://www.pkgsrc.org/quarterly/

but with additional consideration of non-NetBSD platforms.  As I am not 
on PMC, you should replace "PMC" in that document with "jperkin" in this 
instance.

As of today you should consider the "November 15" clause to be in 
operation.  No updates to any of those packages now please, unless you 
have a very good reason, AND CAN PROVE that the update will not cause 
any regressions on any platforms that regularly post to pkgsrc-bulk@

The "December 1" clause will come into operation as expected.  If there 
are any changes that people think are necessary to the list of packages, 
whether additions or subtractions, please let me know.

In general I would appreciate that anyone who commits anything between 
now and when the branch is cut to please pay close attention to 
pkgsrc-bulk@ for any packages that you have touched.  Any updates that 
remain regressed for too long will be backed out without prejudice.

Here's to a high quality 2024Q4!

Cheers,

--
Jonathan Perkin   -   mnx.io   -   pkgsrc.smartos.org
Open Source Complete Cloud   www.tritondatacenter.com