Re: [gentoo-project] Groups under the Council or Foundation: the structure & processes thereof

[William L. Thomson Jr.]

On Sunday, November 13, 2016 11:26:29 AM EST Alec Warner wrote:
>
> What I think is actually true is that there are some risks the current
> board sees, and they (we?, I am on the board after all) see one way to
> reduce the risk is by this joining. I think we should also be open to
> evaluating the risks and seeking other avenues to mitigate them.
>
> I think, speaking in general terms, one risk is the following.
>
> 1) When a community member feels harmed by the community, they can file a
> suit. They can sue individuals, or they can sue the Foundation. They cannot
> sue "Comrel" for example, because Comrel is not an entity. They can sue the
> individuals that compose comrel, or they can sue the Foundation.
>
> 2) If they sue the Foundation, we are worried that a 100% hands-off
> solution is going to be an effective defense. In the current scheme, the
> Foundation has no real control over the operation of Comrel. I think there
> is a lack of confidence that this defense is sufficient to dismiss a suit
> though.

A defamation suit is not out of the question if someone feels actions taken 
against them have caused great harm to their reputation.

For example;
In my case being painted as an outcast could have implications in obtaining 
jobs, etc. It would be interesting to see how a court would rule on someones 
volunteer actions, perceived conduct by others, having effect on their ability 
to make  a living, Based on how others have made them out to be, an outcast, 
etc, tarnishing their reputation publicly.

Something many seem to ignore or overlook. Comrel or any action taken against 
someone could have serious impacts on that individuals career. Their ability 
to make a living, obtain jobs, contracts, etc.

-- 
William L. Thomson Jr.