The NASM uses the GIT version control system. So we prefer to obtain well formatted patches which would be simply merged into the repo without much efforts.
To improve tracking of who did what we've introduced a sign-off procedure on patches that are being emailed around. The sign-off is a simple line at the end of the explanation for the patch, which certifies that you wrote it or otherwise have the right to pass it on as open-source patch.
The rules are pretty simple - if you can certify the below...
By making a contribution to this project, I certify that:
(a) The contribution was created in whole or in part by me and I have the
right to submit it under the open source license indicated in the file; or
(b) The contribution is based upon previous work that, to the best of my knowledge,
is covered under an appropriate open source license and I have the right under that
license to submit that work with modifications, whether created in whole or in part by
me, under the same open source license (unless I am permitted to submit under a different
license), as indicated in the file; or
(c) The contribution was provided directly to me by some other person who certified (a),
(b) or (c) and I have not modified it.
(d) I understand and agree that this project and the contribution are public and
that a record of the contribution (including all personal information I submit
with it, including my sign-off) is maintained indefinitely and may be
redistributed consistent with this project or the open source license(s)
involved.
then you just add a line saying
Signed-off-by: Random J Developer <random@developer.example.org>
using your real name (please, no pseudonyms or anonymous contributions if possible).
From: Random J Developer <random@developer.example.org>
Subject: [PATCH] Short patch description
Long patch description (could be skipped if the patch is trivial enough)
Signed-off-by: Random J Developer <random@developer.example.org>