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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">Greg,<br>
<br>
I wonder if you could comment briefly on what problems you see in
the WPLUG bylaws? I mean, I have my own opinions about things
that I'd like to see changed, but I'd like to hear what others
have to say.<br>
<br>
I've been poking around at the bylaws of some professional
organizations, and haven't found one that isn't largely managed by
a board of directors (or some similar structure) elected by the
membership in a competitive election. I can tell you for instance
that the ACM works that way (plus, they also have paid leadership
positions such as an executive director that is hired by the
board). Do you have any organizations whose governance models you
particularly admire? (I did try to look up the bylaws of the ASQ,
but they apparently make their bylaws available only to members of
the organization.)<br>
<br>
There's also the IETF model of doing things ("We believe in rough
consensus, and working code" - in other words, if you want to do
something, go do it, and work to convince others that it's a good
idea), but even there there's an awful lot of politics, and it
sort of assumes access to resources in a way we don't necessarily
have. Much of the work done by organizations like the IETF is
actually funded by third-parties with relatively deep pockets, so
in terms of an organization like WPLUG, it'd be similar to telling
people who have an idea that they need to go implement it and pay
for it themselves, out of pocket - and then maybe the organization
would pick it up if it seems like it's working well - and I'm not
sure how well that would fly in an organization like ours.<br>
<br>
--Pat.<br>
<br>
On 12/05/2012 3:59 PM, simkins greg wrote:<br>
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Hi Justin,
<div><br>
</div>
<div>The key word in your comments is "...because of our bylaws".
Yes, they should be changed. I am not sure how to do that and
I will likely be unavailable for your convention, unless it
happens in late January/early February (I expect to be home for
a few weeks). I found out how WPLUG differs from every other
organization to which I belonged when I was asked to stand for
office. Normally, this would be an honor and I was honored,
until I found out that I was just an extra name on the list to
make the election competitive. I was hurt and insulted and
stopped participating in any WPLUG politics. I see no reason for
a competitive election. If there is a controversial issue, then
I guess that requires a competitive election, but normally
professional groups operation by consensus. Volunteer labor is
hard enough to come by without such nonsense. </div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>If you don't want to throw out the bylaws and adopt model
bylaws from a healthy organization, then perhaps you could
benchmark off of any nationally successful organization. I
belonged to ASM and ASQ for most of my career. </div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>I mean these comments to be constructive. I still enjoy
WPLUG meetings when I can make it. I just cannot abide WPLUG
politics. </div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Greg</div>
<br>
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