RFC

Write Request for Comments (RFC) documents for Video.js 10.

RFCs are for proposals that need buy-in from others before proceeding. For decisions you own, use a Design Doc instead (design skill, internal/design/).

Reference Material

Task	Load
Any RFC task	This file (SKILL.md)
Writing principles	design skill (Principles section)

When to Write an RFC

Write an RFC when:

• Changes public API surface
• Affects product direction
• Affects user-facing developer experience
• Significant changes to core architecture
• Needs buy-in from others

Use a Design Doc instead when:

• Architectural decisions in your area
• Internal implementation choices
• Design patterns or component specs you own

Skip both for:

• Bug fixes
• Small features in one package
• Implementation details
• Documentation updates

See rfc/README.md for status lifecycle, branch workflow, and relationship to implementation plans.

Checklist

Before finalizing an RFC:

• Problem clearly stated — why is this worth solving now?
• Solution is high-level — details come in Design Docs after approval
• Alternatives considered with pros/cons
• Trade-offs are explicit
• Open questions listed
• Next steps clear (what happens if approved)
• Frontmatter has status: draft

Process

1. Identify need — Does this actually need buy-in? If not, write a Design Doc
2. Draft proposal — Focus on problem and approach, not implementation details
3. List alternatives — Show you've considered other options
4. Surface trade-offs — Be honest about costs
5. Gather feedback — Share with affected parties
6. Iterate — Update based on feedback
7. Get approval — Move to status: accepted when agreed
8. Document — Write Design Doc with full details after approval

Writing Principles

For detailed writing guidance (progressive disclosure, conciseness, etc.), see the design skill's Principles section. The same principles apply to RFCs.

Related

Need	Use
Decisions you own	design skill
API design principles	api skill
Building UI components	component skill
Writing documentation	docs skill