Thanks from me as well! -jmz
On Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 10:09 AM, Bob Elzer<
bob.elzer@gmail.com> 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
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>
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