[OpenLayers-Dev] [OpenLayers-PSC] PSC composition?

[Cameron Shorter]

Dave, Tim, I'm happy to be outvoted on this issue, mainly because I have 
seen lots of examples of successful projects based on individual 
meritocracy, but I can't think of a good example for an alternative 
model which recognizes companies in the decision making process.

Tim Schaub wrote:
> Hey-
>
> I strongly agree with the principles Dave discusses below.
>
> Tim
>
> Dave McIlhagga wrote:
>   
>> Cameron,
>>
>> One of the founding principles of OSGeo was the concept of individual  
>> meritocracy -- not corporate merit. This was done intentionally,  
>> following the Apache model to ensure that the best people were  
>> represented in the organization and their projects, irrespective of  
>> their corporate affiliation. This is also why Sponsorship is kept very  
>> much at an arm's length from having any direct influence benefits into  
>> the organization.
>>
>> One very real issue with corporate representation -- what if an  
>> individual developer on the PSC leaves the organization? Is his  
>> position on the PSC therefore lost? This is the separation between  
>> individual contribution and influence vs. direct corporate influence  
>> that I believe is critical for the integrity of these projects.
>>
>> I think this is a critical principle to uphold in order to preserve  
>> the "arm's length" objective of OSGeo and it's projects from the  
>> institutional contributors (be it financial or in-kind)
>>
>>
>> One goal of a particular PSC may be (and probably should be) to find  
>> balance in terms of individuals who represent various sources of  
>> contributions -- but I think this can be handled by recognizing the  
>> appropriate individuals rather than having a direct seat at the table  
>> for any one particular organization.
>>
>> My 2 cents.
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> Dave McIlhagga
>> www.dmsolutions.ca
>>
>>
>> On 20-Nov-08, at 5:15 PM, Cameron Shorter wrote:
>>
>>     
>>> Following on from a PSC discussion, ...
>>>
>>> I think it is right to discuss company/individual composition of the  
>>> PSC.
>>>
>>> As projects like Openlayers grow, there is are changing dynamics
>>> regarding how decisions are made, because developer composition moves
>>> from volunteers (who are answerable to themselves) to paid employees
>>> (who are answerable to their employers).
>>>
>>> Initially it makes sense that PSC membership is made up of  
>>> individuals.
>>> However, as developer mix increases to include more paid employees, I
>>> think we need to consider company representation on the PSC. I don't
>>> think others would disagree that the PSC is stronger when it has
>>> representation from a diverse group of developers and organisations.
>>>
>>> So I think that when we propose someone for PSC membership we should
>>> consider where they work, and the proportional representation of
>>> companies on the PSC. In other PSCs, I have noticed developers from  
>>> the
>>> same company have a tendency to vote the same way. This is natural and
>>> understandable. The developers are usually working on the same project
>>> and have the same driving priorities and needs.
>>>
>>> I'd also like to bring out into open discussion the question of who we
>>> have on the committee, what are the expectations of them. Whether we
>>> only want technical people on the committee or whether non-coders  
>>> should
>>> be included too. I'd like to question the value of my involvement. I
>>> haven't written Openlayers code for a year or two now, but do manage
>>> developers who use Openlayers and occasionally contribute patches. I'm
>>> comfortable with my role, providing rants like these to the email  
>>> list,
>>> but won't be offended if people suggest it would be time for me to  
>>> retire.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -- 
>>> Cameron Shorter
>>> Geospatial Systems Architect
>>> Tel: +61 (0)2 8570 5050
>>> Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254
>>>
>>> Think Globally, Fix Locally
>>> Geospatial Solutions enhanced with Open Standards and Open Source
>>> http://www.lisasoft.com
>>>
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>>>       
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>>     
>
>
>   


-- 
Cameron Shorter
Geospatial Systems Architect
Tel: +61 (0)2 8570 5050
Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254

Think Globally, Fix Locally
Geospatial Solutions enhanced with Open Standards and Open Source
http://www.lisasoft.com