On 5/11/07, Ray Saintonge <saintonge@telus.net> wrote:
gerald lists wrote:
> Yes. We need someone to translate; I'm disappointed that my written
> French is horrible and that
> most of our correspondence has been in English. We had two French people
> indicate interest, but
> neither responded to my latest ping. This is a priority, I think. Any volunteers?
Having the by-laws in two languages is not a legal requirement.
My reference wasn't specifically to the bylaws.
There are indeed new problems when you have versions of a law in two different
languages: In the event of a conflict between the two versions, which
one prevails? If someone is familiar with French legalese, by all means
that person should go ahead with a French version. Lack of such a
version, however, should not be a factor that keeps us from moving ahead.
I do think from a pragmatic standpoint, at this point, having the legal version as "English"
is the best approach. However, we have to make sure we are accessible in both languages,
and I've gotten generous commitments of help on that front. So, our bylaws should be in French
(with a disclaimer), and more importantly the main pages should now be up to date.
> Can we get a complete draft by-law arrangement drawn up by the end of the
> month? Is that overambitious?
Sure! Who else is volunteering to draft some of the other sections?
... or making specific suggestions about what these sections should contain?
Does anyone have a framework of what they should be? If not, I'll start knocking on the doors
for legal advice. I don't mind writing, I do have to have a clue what we need to do so, though.
> I've had some recent motivation, too. I was trying to approach sponsors for
> Wikimania. There were a few fairly large places that were willing and seemed
> ready to give -- but they will give only to a Canadian entity. Since WMF is
> US based, we aren't in the game until we get this going, which is a bit sad.
> So let's get this going!!!
Predictable.
Agreed. So let's make sure we aren't in this position next year.
> Would anyone like to have an IRC meeting so we can float dates and such back
> and forth? I'd like to believe we can get all of the legwork done before the
> end of Summer ... but I'm an optimist.
I don't do IRC.
I'm not adverse to phone conversations, but the wiki culture seems to prefer IRC.
I'll learn smoke signals if that facilitates moving this forward.
I would hope to have most things provisionally drafted before Wikimania,
and be able to meet with members of the Chapters Committee who are there
to negotiate an understanding about various issues including naming. A
NUANS search can then be made shortly after we all return from Taipei.
A 30 day "vote" can then be held to ensure that there is no serious
objection to the proposed documentation so that everything can be
submitted before the 90-day name reservation period expires.
Unless someone seriously insists that we need a lawyer for filing
incorporation, the costs of incorporation appears to be $215.00. Ten
charter members at $25.00 each should cover those costs. That should be
collected after Wikimania.
If we require help in drafting the bylaws, then I would say we should anticipate paying
something for a lawyer. I'm not stuck on either way, just whichever gets it done.
Gerald