Debian Common Core Alliance

[Old Rocker]

I read recently an article in the UK magazine "Linux Format" that pointed out 
that Ubuntu had specifically opted out from being a member of the Debian 
Common Core Alliance.  Current members include Mepis, Knoppix, Linspire, and 
Xandros, and the idea is that there should be a common core of code to which 
Debian-based distro producers could add their own to target specific users or 
to give their distros essential character.  However, the core code should 
include that which is essentially Debian and should be the basis for a common 
platform for Debian-based distros.

Mark Shuttlworth is reported as saying "I'm not prepared to devote scarce 
resources to an initiative that I believe will ultimately fail." Later in the 
article (quoting Mark's wiki) he says, "There's no point here into going into 
the reasons why I feel the DCC would fail - time will tell."

It seems to me that this is the direction that Debian-based distros should be 
heading, and even if the structure isn't perfect (I don't know that it 
isn't), it seems to me that you need to be in such an organisation to have 
your input and change its future.  However, if there are good reasons for 
believing it will end in failure, and therefore no need for Ubuntu to be 
involved, I'd like to know what those reasons are.

I've looked up Mark's wiki, and no more information is available as to why 
Mark feels the DCC will fail.  I've Googled and found out nothing more, so 
I'm asking here if anyone can shed any light on the matter.
-- 

Old Rocker