[Foundation-l] Board meeting 21st of June 2008

[Thomas Dalton]

2008/6/24 Florence Devouard <Anthere9 at yahoo.com>:
> Thomas Dalton wrote:
>>> You are correct however that change of bylaws seem to require votes from
>>> all members (though, it is actually not 100% clear...). But Frieda
>>> actually voted, after the publication of the resolution. I updated the
>>> resolution on wmf site accordingly. Frieda opposed the resolution.
>>
>> It would be interesting to hear from Frieda about her reasons for
>> opposing (assuming she hasn't already said and I've just missed it).
>> For the board to be unable to reach a consensus on such an important
>> issue is very unfortunate.
>
> Not really. The issue was primarily discussed during the physical board
> meeting, which Frieda could unfortunately not attend. We further
> discussed the bylaws modifications in the following weeks, by email, but
> Frieda did not really comment the draft (I think she was either moving
> or changing job at that time). Reaching consensus requires
> communication, exchange, discussion.
>
> What would rather be unfortunate would be paralysis due to one (or more)
> board members always missing a meeting and vote being invalid due to the
> missing voice. That was how we were organized in the early days of the
> Foundation and this resulted to near zero board meetings in a year (due
> to inability to fix a date with all members available) and near zero
> board decisions (due to lack of one or more voting voices). Ultimately,
> Michael D. proposed the resolution on consent procedures to avoid
> paralysis, and when I became chair, I decided that board meetings would
> be held, regardless of the fact some board members were missing.
> Can't get the best of two worlds...

For everyday board business, I agree entirely, but this was a very
important decision and every effort should have been made to have
everyone in attendance, even if Frieda was only their by phone.

>> May the Flying Spaghetti Monster have mercy on their soul! Florence,
>> get out while you can! Run!
>
> You are a strange cook... you do Spaghettis with potatoes ?
> Flying French fries might be best  ?

You French and your fries... you want big chunky English chips, far better!