In a story pointed out by the folks at PHP Magazine this morning, there's an RFC that's been proposed for the future development of PEAR modules.

Alan Knowles put together a proposal, (RFC_RulesOnRulesAndGuidlineProposals) on the future method for introducing new standards, rules, conventions, recommendations or guidelines into the pear community. This proposal has now been accepted and will go a long way in helping PEAR continue to grow, and encourage contributors, testers, writers and users by making the decision process within PEAR to be as open and fair as possible.

It's a good sized proposal, covering everything from how the modules should be authorized to what to do once it is accepted. Personally, I think this is a step in the right direction. PEAR is a great resource to pull from, but it's just strayed a bit too far from it's roots. I think something like this could bring it back.