[OSGeo-Board] Re: [VisCom] Re: OSGF at Where 2.0

[Tyler Mitchell]

Thanks Frank,

It is safe to assume that the default member will see the board as _wanting_ control and seeking the limelight.  Sad but true and partly human nature.  While you can't spend all your energy addressing critics, having the bounds of your role clearly laid out can really help encourage community involvement.  

I hope that, as a group, the board can discuss this, agree on a position and communicate it somehow back to the membership.  It would help put to rest any unspoken assumptions members have about the role the board sees itself filling and how it relates to the committees and members.

Tyler

----- Original Message -----
From: Frank Warmerdam <warmerdam at pobox.com>
Date: Thursday, May 4, 2006 12:37 pm
Subject: Re: [OSGeo-Board] Re: [VisCom] Re: OSGF at Where 2.0

> Tyler Mitchell wrote:
> > Maybe this is a topic/issue that the board could discuss at its next
> > meeting.  Could the board clarify when it expects to make 
> decisions vs.
> > when committees can or should be.  E.g. when a conference or 
> speaking> opportunity comes up.
> 
> Tyler,
> 
> Generally speaking I believe the board should be used to approve
> major "policy statements" from committees but that committees should
> generally be empowered to do operational stuff without needing
> constant board approval.
> 
> So, for instance, I think VisCom is well within its mandate to decide
> who speaks where for conferences.  Of course in this case the keynote
> essentially belongs to Gary/Autodesk and the needs/wants of the
> speakers (Gary and potentially me) need to be taken into 
> consideration.
> > You could even help clarify what the board expects from members and
> > individuals who have opportunities to represent OSGeo.  I use 
> the term
> > "expect" very purposefully, because (like it or not) members 
> will _feel_
> > that board members have a very important role to play in leading 
> us and
> > won't want to step on their toes.
> 
> First, as long as they don't claim to be speaking for OSGeo per-se 
> theycan do what ever they want.  For instance, an individual 
> involved in
> OSGeo is welcome to speak about it at a conference / user meeting or
> whatever as long as they make it clear they are giving their 
> impressions.
> If they want to speak for us, then they ought to coordinate with 
> VisComand I think VisCom should be providing canned presentation 
> informationas guidance.   I'm hoping some of that material will be 
> run past the
> board at some point to be sure we all agree on the message that is
> being presented.
> 
> I think the Where 2.0 thing was discussed at the board level 
> partly because
> it is quite a big "coming out party" for OSGeo in a potentially 
> influentialsetting, and because several board members were 
> planning to be there.
> 
> > Currently, I just defer to the board or VisCom if I think it's a big
> > opportunitiy and should be handled by someone formally 
> associated with the
> > foundation.  But, in fact, all our members are formally 
> associated so my
> > approach may not be that rational - especially if we want to 
> retain a level
> > of grassroots involvement.  If members perceive that the board 
> does all the
> > talking, then will start to think they shouldn't even volunteer to.
> 
> I definately do not want to limit things to the board, or VisCom 
> members.For some particular events having someone with apparent 
> stature (ie.
> on board, or a project lead) speak can be helpful to communicate
> some degree of credibility.
> 
> > I guess the ultimate issue is: how to minimise falling back on the
> > formal/legal board structure as much as possible.
> > 
> > Am I off in right field or is this resonating with you?  
> Something that you
> > can discuss?  Perhaps you already have and I missed it.
> 
> My personal opinion is that we should stay flexible.  I would rather
> have people out talking about OSGeo and perhaps making a few mis-steps
> rather than having them feel that they shouldn't.
> 
> Best regards,
> -- 
> ---------------------------------------+---------------------------
> -----------
> I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, 
> warmerdam at pobox.comlight and sound - activate the windows | 
> http://pobox.com/~warmerdamand watch the world go round - Rush    
> | President OSGF, http://osgeo.org
> 
>