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In 5 years, Node has had 3 BDFLs. Are there any other mainstream platforms with that kind of turnaround? I can't think of any.

It's just an expression, he stepped down: http://blog.nodejs.org/2014/01/15/the-next-phase-of-node-js/

If it's just an expression than maybe "forking" is also just an expression with a random meaning? Either that or he never was a BDFL.

"For Life" is in the same way that SCOTUS justices have an appointment "for life". It just means they can't be fired or deposed, not that they can only leave in a box.

isaacs passed on the reins to tjfontaine to focus on NPM instead: http://blog.nodejs.org/2014/01/15/the-next-phase-of-node-js/

One thing I don't understand is why isaacs didn't pass on the reins to a committee in the first place if that's what he wanted? Politics in the background? (I don't keep up with the Node community.)