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
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