Patrick McNamara wrote:
However, one question: OpenGraphics, or OpenHardware? I anticipate
that once OGD starts selling, people are going to (a) want to do
non-graphics things with it and (b) want to start similar projects
(e.g. RAID controllers, novel networking devices, etc, etc). We're
going to have some considerable expertise associated with the
foundation, and we don't want to scare interested people away from us
by giving the impression that we're about graphics and graphics only...
I'd opt for open hardware. Initially this would only be the Open
Graphics Project. Addition of new projects would require certain
conditions be met, though I haven't given a whole lot of though to what
those conditions would be, along with vote from the board of directors
to add the project. I would think requiring something other than a
simple majority, perhaps an absolute two thirds majority, would be
required to add a new project.
Anyway, if there's any help I can give from this side of the Atlantic,
please let me know.
I'm still pondering over everything that needs to be done. I'm sure,
just like with everything else, there will be plenty of work to go
around. Thanks for the offer.
Would the FSF object if we called it the Free Hardware Foundation? Or,
would they like to help? The aim of the foundation would be educational
-- to promote full documentation of all computer hardware.
Remember, once you start a 501(c)(3) foundation that you are a public
charity and can't discriminate against anyone -- it would have to help
anyone wanting to have open hardware although you could work on the
basis of need and provide help to mostly small startups.
You can't put profits from selling hardware into the foundation but,
IIUC, you could say that a percentage of the price of each item sold
would be donated to the foundation. And, you can sell stuff with logos
to raise money for the foundation as long as you keep good books.
As the son of an account I can tell you that there three important
things you need to do:
Keep good books
Keep good books
Keep good books
:-D
Also note that the 501(c)(3) books are open to public inspection and you
need to have a financial report that you can give to anyone that asks
for one.
And, I forgot to mention that you have to incorporate the foundation to
have 501(c)(3) status. You should get a copy of the IRS publication and
read it carefully.
--
JRT
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