Comments on: On Governance http://www.artofcommunityonline.org/2009/02/17/on-governance/ The Book On Community Management, by Jono Bacon Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:55:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Sense Hofstede http://www.artofcommunityonline.org/2009/02/17/on-governance/#comment-941 Sense Hofstede Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:46:41 +0000 http://www.artofcommunityonline.org/2009/02/17/on-governance/#comment-941 <p>A good governance body lets people be heard and is semi-democratic. However, when problems arises it also should be able to act quickly on its own without having to endlessly consult the community. Because of this, the governance body should be open to anyone who is suitable, qualified and has enough support from within the community.</p> <p>At Ubuntu NL we're currently discussing the crisis and how to solve it. The thing that stands out most is the fact that there is only something constructive done when someone with authority says: this is what we're going to do. Otherwise people keep discussing things over and over without coming to an agreement.</p> A good governance body lets people be heard and is semi-democratic. However, when problems arises it also should be able to act quickly on its own without having to endlessly consult the community. Because of this, the governance body should be open to anyone who is suitable, qualified and has enough support from within the community.

At Ubuntu NL we’re currently discussing the crisis and how to solve it. The thing that stands out most is the fact that there is only something constructive done when someone with authority says: this is what we’re going to do. Otherwise people keep discussing things over and over without coming to an agreement.

]]> By: Ellis http://www.artofcommunityonline.org/2009/02/17/on-governance/#comment-925 Ellis Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:47:03 +0000 http://www.artofcommunityonline.org/2009/02/17/on-governance/#comment-925 <p>I think it's fairly easy to govern a community when it's aim is clear. The problems arise when people want to shift the aim.</p> <p>For example, what would happen if some of the Ubuntu community wanted to move to another Linux set-up, or push towards a full integration with Windows? I'm obviously speaking hypothetically, but I have a "sit-down" policy for leading my community. This sometimes makes it difficult when you see unwise, ill-informed ideas being brought to the table.</p> <p>It would be easy to say let nature take it's course, but governance of a community is also about protection. And sometimes we may need to protect ourselves against the popular vote.</p> <p>What systems/processes do you have in place to allow for such corrections? Do you have these within Ubuntu?</p> <p>nb. i lead a christian community where the majority of teaching is done around a meal and is discussion based where everybody is allowed to bring their thoughts/insights... er... to the table regardless of background or creed- (i think i've said that last bit before)</p> I think it’s fairly easy to govern a community when it’s aim is clear. The problems arise when people want to shift the aim.

For example, what would happen if some of the Ubuntu community wanted to move to another Linux set-up, or push towards a full integration with Windows? I’m obviously speaking hypothetically, but I have a “sit-down” policy for leading my community. This sometimes makes it difficult when you see unwise, ill-informed ideas being brought to the table.

It would be easy to say let nature take it’s course, but governance of a community is also about protection. And sometimes we may need to protect ourselves against the popular vote.

What systems/processes do you have in place to allow for such corrections? Do you have these within Ubuntu?

nb. i lead a christian community where the majority of teaching is done around a meal and is discussion based where everybody is allowed to bring their thoughts/insights… er… to the table regardless of background or creed- (i think i’ve said that last bit before)

]]> By: David Thomas http://www.artofcommunityonline.org/2009/02/17/on-governance/#comment-850 David Thomas Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:51:12 +0000 http://www.artofcommunityonline.org/2009/02/17/on-governance/#comment-850 <p>Wow, that is exactly how I feel. Every one in our LoCo has a vote. You feel like you belong and when you feel like you belong you want to contribute. I've said it before it really is what makes Ubuntu stand apart from other distributions. However, I see the trend moving to this type of community thinking.</p> Wow, that is exactly how I feel. Every one in our LoCo has a vote. You feel like you belong and when you feel like you belong you want to contribute. I’ve said it before it really is what makes Ubuntu stand apart from other distributions. However, I see the trend moving to this type of community thinking.

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