Thanks from me as well! -jmz On Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 10:09 AM, Bob Elzer wrote: > Thanks for the info Alan, maybe we could create a web page on the server > with the history of PLUG Az with some of this info. > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: plug-discuss-bounces@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us >> [mailto:plug-discuss-bounces@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us] On >> Behalf Of Alan Dayley >> Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2009 11:35 PM >> To: Main PLUG discussion list >> Subject: PLUG governance, etc. >> >> Another thread about the sonoran penguin and making a theme >> for the website surfaced some discussion about the governance >> of PLUG.  I'd like to enlighten that a little bit. >> >> The Steering Committee >> --------------------------- >> PLUG has a Steering Committee, members in no particular order: >> >> - Hans, a.k.a. der.hans (plug@lufthans.com) is Committee >> Chair because we decided that he was. >> >> - Brian Cluff (brian@snaptek.com) still baby sits the server >> from time to time and was host of the East Side Meeting for >> many years. >> >> - Alexander Henry (alexanderhenry@cox.net) who, years ago, >> decided we needed Install Fest on a monthly basis, found a >> location and makes sure it happens. >> >> - Joseph Sinclair (plug-discussion@stcaz.net) a very smart >> developer and good guy who fills in the gaps and provides >> great programming knowledge along with organizational skill. >> >> - Me, who has historically mastered the web site and hosted >> the Developer Meeting for 6 or so years. >> >> There was one other who moved from Arizona some time back. >> There have been others in the past who we thank. >> >> Other Volunteers >> --------------------------- >> There are others who help and do things, like Lisa, because >> they want to.  Nothing in PLUG could happen without people like them. >> >> Authority >> --------------------------- >> The authority of the committee is perhaps derived, as Joshua >> pointed out, by owning the domain name and having root >> password on the server. >>  There is no other authority structure.  No bylaws or written rules. >> The group depends on the Steering Committee and defers to >> them to run the relatively small day-to-day issues and make >> meetings happen.  If the group or a large part of the group >> were to want to take over or fork, what's to stop them?  Nothing. >> >> Money >> --------------------------- >> PLUG has no legal entity to handle money.  There isn't any. >> >> Events and Work >> --------------------------- >> PLUG has events and does any work because someone paid for >> it, worked it, promoted it.  Or, nothing happens. >> >> My Comments >> --------------------------- >> Over the years I have researched and email or IRC interviewed >> participants of other LUGs.  I made a special point to seek >> out LUGs that had problems resulting in dissolution or >> splits.  The root cause of every LUG that experienced >> significant problems was power or money. >>  No surprise, I suppose.  This is big reason why PLUG has not >> gone the direction of formal structure and donations.  It >> mostly avoids such problems. >> >> It also blocks some good things. >> >> Where there is passion, things happen.  Where there is >> passion, disagreements happen.  Any organization that wants >> to make things happen needs passion but must survive the >> conflicts that arise.  How >> does one create such an organization without the down sides?   You >> can't.  The down sides will happen so many people turn to >> rules and by-laws, i.e. contracts, to minimize the down >> sides.  I suppose it works for the most part or people would >> come up with new structures with which to do it.  There are >> new ways to do these things but PLUG may not be able to handle it. >> >> I am beginning to accept that PLUG will not grow and thrive >> without a more formal structure and maybe even money.  Scary >> thought to me, knowing the history of other LUGs and >> volunteer groups.  At the same time, the risk may be worth it >> for the gains that could be made. >> >> The Points >> --------------------------- >> My point is that PLUG is what the members make of it.  The >> Steering Committee has no legal means of controlling the >> group beyond persuasion and respect, if given.  So, if anyone >> want to suggest a change, create something, push an agenda, >> please do.  In an open and transparent manner. >> >> If anyone thinks the Steering Committee is out of line, doing >> wrong, whatever, please speak up. >> >> Right now PLUG is in a low passion mood, has been for a long time. >> (Except maybe politics!)  If you have a passion for something >> Linux/FS/OSS related, speak up.  Rather that then we just >> plod along, enjoying our Freedom only amongst ourselves. >> >> Alan >> --------------------------------------------------- >> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us >> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >> http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >> > > --------------------------------------------------- > PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us > To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: > http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss > --------------------------------------------------- PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss