> I think the coop idea is a good thing and I think it may be something that
> Gentoo should take advantage of.  However, I think Gentoo should be
> completely decoupled so that both organizations are able to decide freely
> for themselves what is best for each group.
> 
> The coop is a brand new idea.  Nobody has really done anything like it
> before, so it's likely to take a great deal of thought and effort to get set
> up correctly.  I'd hate to see the Gentoo NFP efforts get delayed as a
> result.  
> 
> When the coop is finally set up and ready to go, each organization can look
> at the other, ensure they still share the same values and goals and then
> decide how best to partner at that point.

I agree with Kurt here. The coop idea seems intriguing, but without a lot more
research and planning, I really can't decide whether I'm totally for that yet.
 I'm also with Kurt that this coop idea shouldn't slow down the NFP status
that Gentoo needs. I also agree that this entity should be separate from
Gentoo so they can have their own set of goals that won't clash with each
other constantly.

>>You will need to choose between an "open, participatory" (and 
>>co-optable) and a "closed, non-co-optable" (and 
>>non-representative/unfair) governing model. So let me know which you 
>>prefer and I'll get it set up. The other alternative is to try to find 
>>some kind of compromise, where the government for the not-for-profit 
>>isn't too fair or open, but is more bureaucratic and harder to co-opt. Let
>>me know which one appeals to you.
> 
> My personal $.02:
> 
> I'd like to see a closed, non-co-optable model.  Both models have their
> weaknesses, but I think the open one is more susceptible to groupthink, not
> to mention coersion.  I think a closed model, combined with an active, vocal
> community (which Gentoo certainly has) allows for a solid feedback loop
> without running the risks of coersion.
> 
> --kurt

I personally feel that the current model has been doing an adequate job of
leadership. I know its got its problems, but any setup has its own set of
problems. I'm with Kurt also that the coop table model could lead to coercion.
I like it now is, you work to earn your rank in Gentoo. I really don't like
the idea of buying your 'rank' to have a say in things. That just puts my
mentality as "Why should I be putting anything into this if its not going to
help me in the long run anyways?". Theres a level of trust and loyalty that we
have in our community that I love. I think most devs just want to do their
work and enjoy it while we do it.

-- 
Lance Albertson <ramereth@g.o>
Gentoo Infrastructure

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