[ILUG] my comments on the constitution

[Thomas Bridge]

"John P. Looney" wrote:

>  This is a cleanup of what I said on
>     http://www.linux.ie/pipermail/constitution/2000-March/000030.html

>  Just a few things I'd like to see removed/changed;
 
> >   1. The aims and objectives of the society shall be as follows:
> >        1. To increase and promote awareness of the Linux operating
> >          system within both the home and corporate sectors of the
> >          Irish Computing industry.
 
>  I reckon GNU should be in there, as well as "Free", to incorporate the BSD
> people. Perhaps, at the start, define "Free software", and use that term
> throughout the document. I'd reckon that 60%+ of On-Topic posts to ILUG are
> not Linux specific.

We've already had this discussion on ILUG just after the Stallman talk -
I think the consensus at the time was against "broadening" the aims of
as laid down.

> >         2. To provide a forum to discuss and gain experience of the
> >          Linux operating system.
 
>  I reckon that it shouldn't be just Linux, it should be all sorts of free
> software, and perhaps even related non-free software, like Solaris, Netscape
> etc. to a lesser extent.

See above.
  
> >         3. To help educate people in the usage of Linux and related
> >          software.
 
>  This is really important. Perhaps something like...

>  3. To provide a framework for the construction and maintenance of training
> programmes and seminars in the use and understanding of Free Software and it's
> philosophies, to be availible, without cost or contract to the public and
> members of the society.

Nope - "Linux and related software" is not the same thing as Free
Software.   This is a substantial change.
 
> >    3. Members
> >       1. Full membership of the society shall be open to anyone who is
> >        a resident of the island of Ireland who agrees to support the aims
> >        of the Society
> >       2. Associate membership shall be open to anyone who is not eligible
> >        for full membership

>  Just have "membership shall be open to anyone who wishes to be, and
> agrees to support the aims of the society". There is no need for
> "Associate membership". After all, Niall O'Brion was a member while living
> in Germany. Do we have any associate members ? What are they ?
 
> >       4. All members shall be bound by this constitution.
 
>  Really ? Legally ? Perhaps just "Members shall be asked to read the constitution".

I don't know - that particular bit was taken straight from the Redbrick
Constitution.
 
Before this discussion goes any further, I think its worth noting why we
wanted to draw up a consitution.   We wanted to do it to enable us to do
things like open bank accounts and have some sort of decision making
process about what to do with any money we might have (specifically the
money we inherited from the IUUG).    I would recommend staying more or
less within the confines of the current draft as we can always change it
later.

Specifically I would recommend against (re?)opening the large can of
worms that would arise from changing the aims as you suggest.

T.


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