Improve documentation site to make it easier to find communication on Slack/Discord (#8138)

Author: alamb

README.md

@@ -40,8 +40,19 @@ Here are links to some important information
 DataFusion is great for building projects such as domain specific query engines, new database platforms and data pipelines, query languages and more.
 It lets you start quickly from a fully working engine, and then customize those features specific to your use. [Click Here](https://arrow.apache.org/datafusion/user-guide/introduction.html#known-users) to see a list known users.
 
+## Contributing to DataFusion
+
+Please see the [developer’s guide] for contributing and [communication] for getting in touch with us.
+
+[developer’s guide]: https://arrow.apache.org/datafusion/contributor-guide/index.html#developer-s-guide
+[communication]: https://arrow.apache.org/datafusion/contributor-guide/communication.html
+
 ## Crate features
 
+This crate has several [features] which can be specified in your `Cargo.toml`.
+
+[features]: https://doc.rust-lang.org/cargo/reference/features.html
+
 Default features:
 
 - `compression`: reading files compressed with `xz2`, `bzip2`, `flate2`, and `zstd`
@@ -65,9 +76,3 @@ Optional features:
 ## Rust Version Compatibility
 
 This crate is tested with the latest stable version of Rust. We do not currently test against other, older versions of the Rust compiler.
-
-## Contributing to DataFusion
-
-The [developer’s guide] contains information on how to contribute.
-
-[developer’s guide]: https://arrow.apache.org/datafusion/contributor-guide/index.html#developer-s-guide

docs/source/contributor-guide/communication.md

@@ -26,49 +26,29 @@ All participation in the Apache Arrow DataFusion project is governed by the
 Apache Software Foundation's [code of
 conduct](https://www.apache.org/foundation/policies/conduct.html).
 
+## GitHub
+
 The vast majority of communication occurs in the open on our
-[github repository](https://github.com/apache/arrow-datafusion).
+[github repository](https://github.com/apache/arrow-datafusion) in the form of tickets, issues, discussions, and Pull Requests.
+
+## Slack and Discord
 
-## Questions?
+We use the Slack and Discord platforms for informal discussions and coordination. These are great places to
+meet other contributors and get guidance on where to contribute. It is important to note that any technical designs and
+decisions are made fully in the open, on GitHub.
 
-### Mailing list
+Most of us use the `#arrow-datafusion` and `#arrow-rust` channels in the [ASF Slack workspace](https://s.apache.org/slack-invite) .
+Unfortunately, due to spammers, the ASF Slack workspace requires an invitation to join. To get an invitation,
+request one in the `Arrow Rust` channel of the [Arrow Rust Discord server](https://discord.gg/Qw5gKqHxUM).
 
-We use arrow.apache.org's `dev@` mailing list for project management, release
-coordination and design discussions
+## Mailing list
+
+We also use arrow.apache.org's `dev@` mailing list for release coordination and occasional design discussions. Other
+than the the release process, most DataFusion mailing list traffic will link to a GitHub issue or PR for discussion.
 ([subscribe](mailto:[email protected]),
 [unsubscribe](mailto:[email protected]),
 [archives](https://lists.apache.org/[email protected])).
 
 When emailing the dev list, please make sure to prefix the subject line with a
 `[DataFusion]` tag, e.g. `"[DataFusion] New API for remote data sources"`, so
 that the appropriate people in the Apache Arrow community notice the message.
-
-### Slack and Discord
-
-We use the official [ASF](https://s.apache.org/slack-invite) Slack workspace
-for informal discussions and coordination. This is a great place to meet other
-contributors and get guidance on where to contribute. Join us in the
-`#arrow-rust` channel.
-
-We also have a backup Arrow Rust Discord
-server ([invite link](https://discord.gg/Qw5gKqHxUM)) in case you are not able
-to join the Slack workspace. If you need an invite to the Slack workspace, you
-can also ask for one in our Discord server.
-
-### Sync up video calls
-
-We have biweekly sync calls every other Thursdays at both 04:00 UTC
-and 16:00 UTC (starting September 30, 2021) depending on if there are
-items on the agenda to discuss and someone being willing to host.
-
-Please see the [agenda](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1atCVnoff5SR4eM4Lwf2M1BBJTY6g3_HUNR6qswYJW_U/edit)
-for the video call link, add topics and to see what others plan to discuss.
-
-The goals of these calls are:
-
-1. Help "put a face to the name" of some of other contributors we are working with
-2. Discuss / synchronize on the goals and major initiatives from different stakeholders to identify areas where more alignment is needed
-
-No decisions are made on the call and anything of substance will be discussed on the mailing list or in github issues / google docs.
-
-We will send a summary of all sync ups to the [email protected] mailing list.

docs/source/index.rst

@@ -43,11 +43,12 @@ community.
 
 The `example usage`_ section in the user guide and the `datafusion-examples`_ code in the crate contain information on using DataFusion.
 
-The `developer’s guide`_ contains information on how to contribute.
+Please see the `developer’s guide`_ for contributing and `communication`_ for getting in touch with us.
 
 .. _example usage: user-guide/example-usage.html
 .. _datafusion-examples: https://github.com/apache/arrow-datafusion/tree/master/datafusion-examples
 .. _developer’s guide: contributor-guide/index.html#developer-s-guide
+.. _communication: contributor-guide/communication.html
 
 .. _toc.links:
 .. toctree::