Re: [gentoo-project] A committee to review umbrellas as a new home for Gentoo assets.

[William L. Thomson Jr.]

On Wednesday, January 25, 2017 12:30:06 PM EST Alec Warner wrote:
>
> Not to insult the previous trustees, but I can't say the existing board
> (including myself) has done a great job; nor have previous boards.

I disagree! When I was a Trustee things were run right and happening;
by Laws, bank account, foundation reinstatement, and more was to come...

This is what happens when you drive people away and fail to attract others 
with the necessary skills and abilities.

Which given that Alec[1] was the one who complained about me to devrel in 
2008. Then proceeded to replace me on the board. With the board returning to 
its prior neglected state. I find that very ironic!

People looking to protect Gentoo, in turn cause greater harm!

> Could a new board be elected? Sure. Foundation members have this power. But
> people have to stand for nomination to the board. If no one is interested
> in running the non-profit it becomes difficult to further the argument that
> the existing non-profit is suited.

This is because what you all have done. I realize you cannot look from the 
outside. But go back to 2008 as an outsider.

You see a Trustee who was getting stuff done resign. Then you see them banned 
from the Foundation -nfp mailing list. Then you see acting being taken against 
them. Which motivates them to leaving Gentoo entirely, retiring as a 
developer.

That sends a HORRIBLE message to people outside the project. Why would anyone 
want to put their neck on the line. Be legally responsible for others. Who in 
turn treat them such ways?

Then you wonder why no one else has wanted to take on such roles... Seriously?

> In the past the non-profit was run in a "keep the lights on" fashion. We
> took in money, paid bills and filled paperwork. If that is what the
> Foundation's responsibilities end up being; then I think it will remain
> difficult to find board members and there is really not much advantage to
> having a separate non-profit at all. We might as well just join an umbrella
> organization.

This was how things were before I ran and I ran to change things. Things were 
changing, but others like now decided to get to involved. Most all those who 
got involved then, in 2008. Are no longer Gentoo developers, and surely do not 
care about the Foundation anymore. Just got in the way of progress!

> If the Foundation was to be more active (raise more money, have complex
> interactions, employees, etc.) then being an umbrella is risky because
> there can be a lot of friction from that sort of structure. However very
> few individuals seem to want a more active Foundation and I see many in the
> developer community oppose such activities. So I don't see an active
> Foundation as likely.

Few people care about Gentoo. Something many keep overlooking. None of their 
comments or focus is in attracting more to the project. Given most have the 
complete opposite effect.

1.  https://236479.bugs.gentoo.org/attachment.cgi?id=164422
https://bugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=236479#c16

-- 
William L. Thomson Jr.