One issue arising out of the Swisslinux/GULL situation is the question of communication tools.
Swisslinux has been operating with a forum while GULL was using a mailing list. Representatives from both groups are now talking about how to join forces and merge these communities.
I've also observed questions like this raised within FSFE, we currently have a lot of mailing lists but there are some people who want to try something like Discourse.
Both technologies have benefits and disadvantages.
One idea I've put forward at RHL'18 today is that it may be useful to have a series of events over the next 12 months, maybe piggy-backed on bigger events, to discuss the way organizations choose their communications tools.
One of the big questions is for organizations to define their goals. If their goals are clear then the choice of tool may be easier and even obvious. Choosing a tool because it is popular or because it is the only thing the sysadmin is willing to support doesn't always result in the best choice for achieving goals.
Would the FSFE community be interested in collaborating on an event or process to study these questions?
Regards,
Daniel