Hi All
This is my first contribution to these mailing lists, inspired largely by John's document "The Future of SME Server".
As it is my first time here, a little about my self is called for. I am 56, not that it's important but at least it let's you know that I am not some young IT whiz kid! I am not even an IT professional so I am not able to help with Development, an area seemingly short of resources at present. I am, in fact, a Quality Manager at an aluminium foundry, just about as far removed from IT or indeed anything high tech as you can get! I do, however, believe that I could offer some experience and assistance in other areas. I have considered volunteering in some form or another for some time now but to be honest, to an outsider, this all seems a little daunting. Forums, wiki's, mailing lists, IRC and that's just for starters! Look, John's rallying call has prompted me to bite the bullet and say it's now or never. I have experience of systems, methodical methods of working, procedures and document writing which may come in useful and I also have an interest in doing some testing. It may take me a while to get into all of this but you guys seem to need the help so I'm offering to get involved where I can. I've been using SME Server on and off now for two or three years, tried Zentyal and ClearOS but always seem to come back to SME Server.
Going back to John's document and on to his leadership of the project - I'm not sure if he has been appointed as leader of if he has just put himself forward for the role, I suspect the latter. If that is the case does he have the support of the project members, or indeed the community as a whole? This is extremely important if the project is to succeed, I for one hope he does and would encourage everyone to get behind him. Any project of this magnitude must have strong and committed leadership and someone co-ordinating the many different topics it will cover and directions it will take.
It seems to me that SME Server is at a crossroads, I don't want to see this distro die as has been suggested may happen so it is important that everyone involved takes the right road (whichever one that mat be). A few years ago I volunteered to become Chairman of the local athletic club. It was a club in dire need of volunteers, leadership and direction (sound familiar). One of the clubs coaches told me that if I took on the role of chairman then he would join the committee and support me. He said to me that if just a few make the effort and show the commitment others will follow. He was right and during the next four years the club moved forward and not only survived but prospered, membership increased as did the number of volunteers. People want to be a part of success, it's human nature, if just a few can sow the seeds with SME Server the project and the community will grow.
Regards Dave
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