Part of #690
Problem
Issues get assigned but stay inactive indefinitely. This blocks other contributors from picking up work and gives a false sense of progress. Several open issues have been self-assigned for 12+ months with no PR or visible activity.
Proposed policy
- Assignee = actively working. Only assign yourself if you have a PR open or are about to start coding.
- 14 days without visible activity (PR, commit, comment) → triager comments asking for a status update.
- 7 more days without response (21 days total) → assignee is removed and
help wanted is added.
- Re-assignment is welcome. If someone else wants to pick it up, they comment and get assigned.
- Umbrella/tracking issues are exempt (marked with
lifecycle/frozen).
Applies to everyone
This policy applies equally to maintainers, committers, and external contributors. Consistency builds trust.
Current backlog to review
Several open issues have been self-assigned for over a year with no linked PR or recent activity. Once this policy is agreed upon, a first pass should review all assigned issues and apply the 21-day rule.
Part of #690
Problem
Issues get assigned but stay inactive indefinitely. This blocks other contributors from picking up work and gives a false sense of progress. Several open issues have been self-assigned for 12+ months with no PR or visible activity.
Proposed policy
help wantedis added.lifecycle/frozen).Applies to everyone
This policy applies equally to maintainers, committers, and external contributors. Consistency builds trust.
Current backlog to review
Several open issues have been self-assigned for over a year with no linked PR or recent activity. Once this policy is agreed upon, a first pass should review all assigned issues and apply the 21-day rule.