Dear friends,
As FOSSCOMM takes on different issues relating to the adoption of FOSS
in India, it also needs to gradually develop required internal
mechanisms that can help support this. In the last meeting in Mumbai,
different SIGs (Special Interest Groups) was an idea that was discussed
and accepted. This is a step to bring some formality into the working of
FOSSCOMM. In this mail, I would like to propose forming a 'FOSSCOMM
working group' to support the same.
Background:
There are several questions that have been raised in different postings
on this list and also in our minds:
a. How do we work out a CMP? What is the minimum that must be part of
CMP and what are additional areas for CMP? What mechanisms can we have
to make such CMP also change over time?
b. In case we need to work with governments (and other entities) on FOSS
adoption/promotion programs, what is the nature of 'arrangement' between
the FOSSCOMM members and the government?
c. What is the nature of relationship and accountability of FOSSCOMM to
the SIGs and vice versa?
d. How do we balance the 'voluntary' nature of most of our work with the
need to also make and honor commitments?
e. How do we decide membership criteria?
f. What rules and processes should govern postings?
g. How do we take decisions in FOSSCOMM - consensus, simple majority
(higher majority requirements for foundational decisions etc)
h. What kind of more formal structures are to be considered?
and many more....
We need to collaborate and attempt to find answers to these tough
questions. To help this process, I am proposing that we setup a
"FOSSCOMM Working Group" with following caveats
a. FOSSCOMM working group is a small group of 5-6 people (so that
discussions within this group to create proposals is easier)
b. This group will discuss these issues and make considered proposals to
FOSSCOMM for discussion/debate and acceptance. FOSSCOMM will
discuss/debate and come to some 'common' understanding that can be then
taken as part of our guiding principles/rules of working. Thus the group
proposes but does not decide. Decision is by the larger body
c. The group members can rotate (say annually) - this way we can try to
make the working group more 'representative' of different geographies
and constituencies.
The first such working group could have as its members stalwarts like
Nagarjuna, Raju, Venky, Prabir, Sunil.
Look forward to comments and suggestions on how we can take this forward.
regards,
Guru
--
Gurumurthy Kasinathan
IT for Change
Bridging Development Realities and Technological Possibilities
Tel:98454 37730
www.ITforChange.net
http://Public-Software.in
http://content-commons.in
*IT for Change is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with United Nations’
Economic and Social Council*
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