Sunset and Exit Principles

Purpose

No artifact is immortal by default.

This document defines how protocols, proposals, and documentation may be intentionally ended.

Core Principle

Longevity must be chosen, not assumed.

Sunset Conditions

An artifact MAY be sunset when:

Its problem space no longer exists
It is superseded by a newer artifact
Its maintenance cost exceeds its value
Its assumptions are no longer valid

Forms of Ending

1. Deprecated

Still published
Not recommended for new use
Clearly marked

2. Frozen

Declared complete
Will not evolve further
Retained for reference

3. Retired

Explicitly ended
Retained for historical traceability
Not maintained or extended

Deletion is discouraged; traceability is preferred.

Governance

Sunsetting decisions:

Require explicit declaration
MUST NOT be silent
SHOULD include rationale

Sunset does not imply failure — it implies completion.