I have been thinking about something this for awhile and with the recent posts of current executive members not running again...and NOW...with the recent posts (mine included) about the website...the thought machine is pumping even harder. What the hell am I babbling about you might ask?
Well...I have been thinking for the last little while about running in the next election, not because I am the best person for the job, but because I think it is about time I started putting my money where my mouth is. I do also want to get more involved in the FLOSS community and starting giving back where I can. Therefore, I would like to throw my hat in for the position of Vice President. I would have said President...but my wife won't let me. LOL! I will be honest and upfront in saying that I don't really have a clear platform on which to run. Nor will I make any grandiose promises to revolutionize the world. But what I can promise is that given the chance I will do what I can to try and make things better than how I found them. I can also promise that along with some of the ideas I do have, I am always willing to listen to those around me...even though at times it may not seem like it. To that end I would like to ask the membership of CLUG what they want to see. I want ideas...no matter how bizarre or strange...experimental...or mundane. As far as I am concerned nothing is off limits and all things should be considered. Just so you don't think I am to flaky I do have things that I see lacking in CLUG...some of which have been mentioned in previous and past posts. I have highlighted a few here, but I am sure anyone will agree that it is not a comprehensive list: * Lack of Vision: Who are we? What do we do? Why are we here? Where do we go from here? This speaks to what I see as a huge "identity crisis" that we are suffering from. * CLUG's "Branding" or Image: Basically how are we seen by our own as well as other communities, including the business sector. This sort of fall into some of the discussion on the website and along the lines of consistency. * Recognition: I really think that those leaders that have gone before us deserve some respect, admiration and recognition for their work. Not just past executive members, but members that consistently give of their time money & energy without a kind (usually critical instead) word spoken; the lost gurus; past presenters, new members that have contributed even something small, etc. * Structure: While this seems to be a dirty world in FLOSS development it is an important part of any organization. Even non-profit agencies nowadays are being asked to create 5-year and business plans when seeking funding. I am not thinking of an anal high-corporate structure but something more fluidic...more organic..something that better fits the FLOSS ethos. * Mentoring/Empowering: Part of the reason we have lost the shine and luster we once had is that we don't see or take advantage (in a good way) the passions of those that have ideas. Someone may have a stupendous idea but no clue as to how to start or what to do first. SO what can we as the community do to help that out? * Transparency: Do we honestly know what the executive does on our behalf? I know I don't, but I do trust them and honour their contributions. Maybe a look into their world will help spur the passion in someone else. For those that know me, they will likely all attest that I cold go on forever. But I think I want the same that everyone wants for CLUG. For it to be a living growing entity that actually has some purpose and meaning and that is relevant in this ever-changing world. I have likely cheesed a few folks off already, but if I have done nothing more than to stimulate the brains of the membership & lurkers alike. And have fired the passion in someone to either run for office or take up a cause or run with an idea..even it it disagrees with mine...then I feel I have done my job and have already made CLUG a little better than I found it. I don't mind people telling me I am full of crap (and apparently neither does Shawn)...but if you do, be prepared to defend that opinion and be prepared for a friendly challenge to do something about it...hehehehe!!!...like I have had in the past. Regards, Cameron _______________________________________________ clug-talk mailing list [email protected] http://clug.ca/mailman/listinfo/clug-talk_clug.ca Mailing List Guidelines (http://clug.ca/ml_guidelines.php) **Please remove these lines when replying
