RE: [gentoo-trustees] FW: [gentoo-nfp] I met with my lawyer

[Daniel Robbins]

> Daniel -- all we're trying to do is to do what is best for
> Gentoo.  That is what you asked us to do originally.  I'm
> very sorry if you perceive our seeking of a second opinion as
> a violation of the agreement we made.  As Grant said, I never
> perceived it to be an agreement, but more of a guideline.
> The message I took away was, "be gentle caretakers" and "do
> what is best for our users".

I am, and still am, open to you looking at 501(c)(3) status if you want.
But, you'd have to agree, this does constitute a change in the general plan
that we have been following. So it raised some questions. But I'm OK with
you guys looking into it, and even switching to a 501(c)(3), regardless of
whether I think it's a good idea (hopefully you can convince me too, though)
*as long as* you are also open to me making reasonable changes as well. It's
a principle thing, but also a practical question.

Grant's reply was all that I was looking for. I really didn't understand the
logic you were following in your reply, or maybe I did, but I didn't find it
helpful. So I pointed that out, and as I explained in the email I did not
want you to interpret what I said in a "bad way" (meaning that I'd actually
do it, it was a hypothetical example.)
 
> None of us have anything to gain from second-guessing your
> original choice for a 501(c)(6) status.  There are no
> ulterior motives.  We simply weren't involved with the
> decision making process and, now that we're charged with the
> caretaking of Gentoo, maybe we need to make sure that we're
> more informed about the decisions that have been made to this
> point.  The only reason we are doing this is to ensure that
> we are being the best caretakers possible.  Why are you so
> upset over this?  Why is it even an issue?

I'm not upset over this at all. I was just trying to get a feel for where
everyone stood on this issue, what your expectations are and what mine
should be, and what the general principles should be going forward. I wanted
clarification for how the rules applied to both parties, not just in the
specific instance of looking at 501(c)(3) status, but how either party (not
just the NFP, but me) might pursue making changes to the general plan if
they wanted. I'm a creative person and I like to know what my options are.

> You are taking this personally and I wish you wouldn't.  What
> you don't realize is we're doing exactly what you asked us to
> do, which is to ensure we protect the interests of our users.

I'm actually not taking this personally. I'm just asking for some context
about how changes of this caliber should be made, and what expectations
should be on both sides. IMO, it's a good thing to do. I want you to have
the flexibility that you need to do the best job for Gentoo that you can.

I hope that helps.

Regards,

Daniel



--
gentoo-trustees@g.o mailing list