[gentoo-nfp] Gentoo NPO Business Model thoughts

[William L. Thomson Jr.]

Ok by no means is this complete, covering all details, etc and so on.
It's just initial thoughts on a concept I have had for a few months now.
I have brought it up to some on occasion, in person, irc, email, etc. I
have receive mixed feedback. Hoping to open that up a bit more here.

In brief, which needs MUCH expanding upon. My concept is basically for
Gentoo to remain the type of NPO that one can NOT donate to. Then write
off that donation as a charitable expense. That is not saying businesses
could not write it contributions or bills, just would be classified
differently.

Instead Gentoo would be the type of NPO that would have it's own NON
PROFIT generating revenue stream via paid services, outside
funding/contributions ( not donations but funders/contributors could
still expense ), and via other means like schwag, etc. To generate
revenue, Gentoo would also have/require paid employees, developers
( ebuild and internal ), administrators ( gwn, docs, etc ), system
admins ( infra, etc ), along with volunteer contributors.

Which volunteering MIGHT be one means to get hired eventually. A
particularly hairy and complicated detail to work out. As well as
leadership, CEO, CTO, board, council, etc. Paid? Amounts? Office
location? Remote distributed, etc and so on.

Think the world's OS. A NPO company existing to put out the best
operating system in the world for free and for the benefit of all. Along
with services to back it up for those with the need, like enterprises.
All WITHOUT a profit driven bottom line. Just consumer/world interest.
In a nutshell Gentoo would kinda be like the RedCross.

Since at the end of the day, there are no shareholders. No investors. No
one with a profit based interest in the business. Any profits the
business did generate. Would go back to the business in the form of
higher employee wadges, provide equipment vs each purchasing their own,
Office space?, Gentoo World Developer Conference and Expo :), with paid
travel and ezpenses for all employees/volunteers, etc. As always more
ways to spend the $ than make it. But spending $ is surely a better
requirement than having to make it for a shareholder/investor :)

Not sure what the details there are for a NPO wrt to generating money,
having reserves/savings, etc. My model for comparison there is one of
the most profitable NPO's that most are not even aware is a NPO. The PGA
Tour, based in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Just outside of Jacksonville.
Which IBM is a MAJOR corporate sponsor off. Also one CAN NOT donate $ to
the PGA Tour and write it off. It's not that type of NPO, and they do
make some serious $. But also give more away than most companies. Which
is likely a NPO requirement. But it's not like that $ goes in
individuals pockets. Other than employees, board members, etc. Not
shareholders or investors. Maybe the players, but that's another
story. :) Maybe Tiger earned it :)

There are MILLIONS of details to be worked out. This might not even be a
concept that could work. I don't believe it's a model in existence yet,
and therefore would be some what revolutionary. I do feel it could be a
viable one if the details are worked out, and it given a go. Considering
like Canonical, RedHat, etc have a working model based on profit. Should
be even easier without the profit/growth requirement. Granted there will
be other hurdles.

Some of the first feedback that came in was things like. Why create a
structure like the Mozilla Foundation, with it's Mozilla Corporation and
etc. While that's one way to go, I am not sure that would fit for
Gentoo. Some do feel that's a more viable option that what I propose.
The SFC, is another way to go as well. There are likely other possible
options to pursue as well.

I feel strongly that this is the best course of action. At least to make
an attempt at. There is nothing saying any of the above or others
couldn't be used as a fall back if the idea failed or etc. Considering
all we are talking about legally is filing basically similar paper work
before, and coming up with leadership. Beyond just council, and
foundation, like CEO, CTO etc. It's likely the council/foundation
council replace any board. But a separate board might need to be
created. If it wasn't created, then CEO would be like the leader of the
foundation, so to speak. And CTO would be council lead or etc.

Begin discussion.

PERSONAL INTEREST DISCLOSURE

Beyond this being an idea of mine. I have no personal interest in it or
motivation. I have no ideas of a position in mind for myself. Or
anything along those lines. I am self employed with my own business to
grow and so on. Therefore if this idea moves forward or not. It's not a
big deal to me either way. Other than I would be happy to see it move
forward, and some what sad/curious if it did not. What could have
been? :) Although I wouldn't turn down a position or offer in advance.
There are MANY others I feel should be paid long before I was ever
considered. If ever.

I would be more than happy with just getting the credit for being the
father of the idea/model. Hopefully that will allow others to view this
concept with an open mind, and KNOW that I have no personal motivating
factor for pushing the idea. Other than supporting my brilliance or
insanity :)

I am willing to do pretty much what ever to help get this idea off the
ground though. If others are interested and see a little of what I do in
the potential benefits. If it all works out.

-- 
William L. Thomson Jr.
Gentoo/Java