Sorry for not joining this earlier. I have so little time lately,
and I'm so far behind in e-mail (approx. 2200 unread messages and
counting :(
In a message dated: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 10:21:25 EST
Rob Lembree said:
>We have the paperwork complete, and I am willing to donate the
>$25 filing fee -- but I haven't done it yet because I've seen
>a complete vacuum in people coming forward to help do things
>with the group.
[...snip...]
>Case in point: I'm now doing the public library project all
>by myself, because it's something I believe it, and because
>nobody stepped forward to help out. I'm now afraid that if
>I act as a leader, I'll end up doing all the work.
>
>The reason for formalizing was not to collect dues, it was to
>give a tax beneficial structure for an active group to do some
>good things for the community and our members. But if we're
>not doing anything, or if only a few people are doing things,
>it just doesn't make sense.
[...snip...]
>Do what? I wanted us to get out and do some good things for Linux
>and ourselves, but failed to get anyone to help out. Sigh. See
>what I mean?
Rob,
With all due respect, there's been no follow-up on anything. Just
lobbing a request out to the list at large asking for volunteers
doesn't work well. We've had precisely 1 "planning" meeting where
some number of action items were supposedly assigned, but there was
never any follow-up to hold those who volunteered accountable.
This group is a social-group by nature. The key to getting anything
done and getting volunteers is to hold a meeting where people show
up. Then at that meeting to set a follow-up meeting for when the
action items assigned can be reported on. We did this way-back when
with Jerry, and it's the only way we pulled off the Linux Business
Show.
You had some great ideas, and had a lot of interest. But you didn't
generate any momentum or follow-through. As a result, you feel like
you've been left holding the bag.
There are a lot of people in this group who would be willing to
participate, but they're going to sit on the side lines unless they
see some activity. Reporting to a mail list that "I'm going to start
this neat project" doesn't count as activity. They want to see
something actually happening, they want to show up to something and
feel like they have something to do, and feel like they're part of
something.
Another problem is, you're not overly responsive to e-mail. I can't
count the times I've sent you e-mail over the years and never gotten
a response. That doesn't help thngs.
I don't mean to point the finger, especially since I haven't been the
example of involvement lately, but a lot of this goes back to when
you and I first took over as Co-Chairs. Jerry was very good at
motivating, involving, and rallying people. We're not so good at it.
Perhaps it's time to let others lead and for use to follow?
--
Seeya,
Paul
--
Key fingerprint = 1660 FECC 5D21 D286 F853 E808 BB07 9239 53F1 28EE
It may look like I'm just sitting here doing nothing,
but I'm really actively waiting for all my problems to go away.
If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right!
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