Patterns for Writing Patterns

Gerard Meszaros, Object Systems Group (gerard@osgcorp.com)
Jim Doble, Nortel (jdoble@nortel.ca)

Contact:
Gerard Meszaros
403-290-8985 (ofc)
22-140 Point Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta   T3B 4W3

This pattern language captures "best practices" of pattern writing as
observed at PLoP-95.  It describes, in pattern form, the
characteristics which the authors and other reviewers in their review
groups found most appealing about the patterns and pattern languages
they reviewed. The language is written in two parts: patterns which
apply to all patterns, and patterns which apply to patterns within a
pattern language.  This language attempts to be an exemplar of the
practices it proposes.

Reviewing Suggestions:
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Given that these patterns were derived from several review groups in
1995 and given that they probably have more widespread applicability
within the PLoP-96 community, we may want to consider trying some
out-of-the-ordinary reviewing technique.  Some ideas include:

1) Include in more than one review group (the authors could rotate
thru several groups in parallel to collect comments from all groups.)

2) Have a special review session outside the normal writers workshop
hours.  The review group would thus be self-selected.

3) Provide a comment board so people can comment on the patterns
throughout PLoP