[Board] foss4g europe

[Bart van den Eijnden]

Hey Jeff,

well said and I think I agree on all points.

Best regards,
Bart

On 20 Nov 2013, at 14:35, Jeff McKenna <jmckenna at gatewaygeomatics.com> wrote:

> Hello everyone,
> 
> I've been quiet on this, well because I come in from so many angles on
> this, and have been letting the discussion happen.  However so many
> people are sending me direct private messages asking for my opinions,
> that I feel I must respond now.
> 
> The FOSS4G brand is world-wide, and known much more than even the
> OSGeo brand/foundation.
> 
> Several years ago I championed a push to make FOSS4G a priority for
> the foundation, and even pushed to fund a part-time position dedicated
> to the brand.  The dice didn't roll my way, but what did happen was my
> mind was cleared, and I was able to step back and see FOSS4G for what
> it is: a way for local communities to get together to share their Open
> Source geospatial passion.
> 
> I've moved on from that experience to now support strongly the
> formation of local events (regional FOSS4Gs), and let local organizers
> be free to create their own event, with their own vision and passion.
> 
> This brings me to the topic of this email thread.  I do constantly
> approve OSGeo's support for smaller events, without forcing the local
> organizers through the red tape of the Board and its formalities (yes
> this may offend some OSGeo hardliners).  I have been doing so with
> Jachym offline, as well as several other future local FOSS4G events
> that are in talks right now (yes exciting, there are several in the
> works).
> 
> Of course when the local event need more official support such as
> funding, well then that is a different story.  And I think things are
> working well when that is required.
> 
> What I do not want is for any more work/responsibilities to be put on
> the volunteers in the Conference Committee. Yes I know that all too
> well too.  So if we as a Board do want to make FOSS4G a priority, and
> focus on supporting other regional events, well then we must allocate
> resources (yes open our wallets).  Until that time comes, we cannot
> put any more tasks to this volunteer committee (i.e. leave them to
> manage the global FOSS4G rfp decisions).
> 
> I was hoping to explain this in the upcoming Board face-to-face
> meeting, but I am fine to discuss this publicly here.
> 
> Has Jachym done anything wrong?  Not at all.  He's trying to openly
> promote FOSS4G around Europe.
> 
> Is this the first time someone was offended by a FOSS4G forming by one
> specific group?  Not at all, I hear this often.
> 
> We are all volunteers and we are trying our best.  Jachym pulled me
> into a discussion with Marco from FOSSGIS, in Nottingham, and I was
> impressed with how open the ideas were.  It is too bad that some are
> offended now.
> 
> Did we offend some 10 years ago when the GRASS and MapServer
> communities were merged into the FOSS4G event? Yes, I heard similar
> concerns back then.  Everyone is very careful to not lose the core
> feel of their event.
> 
> I realize I am not solving anything here in my email response. But I
> hope we can all work together to let these great local/regional FOSS4G
> events continue to grow without putting too much requirements on them.
> 
> Your President and friend,
> 
> -jeff
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 2013-11-20 5:12 AM, Seven (aka Arnulf) wrote:
>> 
>> Just one last time, for the record: The initial stir caused by
>> FOSS4G-E was simply caused by announcing an event without involving
>> the local community. Specifically: The FOSSGIS organizers
>> (including myself) heard of FOSS4G-E for the first time when it was
>> officially announced at FOSS4G in Nottingham. That was a very bad
>> move because we are used to selecting conference venues
>> transparently. We make sure that dates do not overlap and we don't
>> cannibalize each other's attendees, etc. None of these concerns
>> were addressed publicly, hence people were angered. Simple as
>> that.
>> 
>> I suggest that we make it a rule that anybody wanting to make use
>> of the brand FOSS4G must first announce this on conference dev
>> (will make this a separate motion on their list). Fur us Local
>> Chaps it is really this very first announcement which is so
>> important because then people can wrap their head around it, voice
>> their concerns, offer to help, etc.
>> 
>> I hope that this clears up the confusion around FOSS4G-E 2014. We
>> will do our best to support FOSSGIS, the OSGeo day at AGIT and
>> FOSS4G-E.
>> 
>> In a nutshell: Next time anything happens in Germany kindly let
>> the Local Chapter know beforehand (just like anywhere else in the
>> world).
>> 
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