On 1 February 2012 22:36, Risker <risker.wp(a)gmail.com> wrote:
In what way do chapter-selected seats improve the
running of the WMF,
Thomas? The Board has no say in who is being selected, and there is no
basis in fact to say that those appointed by the chapters are any more
effective or helpful in meeting the Board's goals or running the WMF than
would community-elected Wikimedians.
Chapter board members, since they serve on boards themselves, are
obviously going to know more about what the board needs than the
general community. They also have long and detailed discussions about
who to select, rather than just having a simple vote. Additionally,
having chapter-selected seats helps the WMF and chapters work better
together.
I would think that direct appointment of those with
specific skill sets
would be how the board ensure it is "capable of running the WMF as well as
possible."
Of course, but that wouldn't be at all representative and would make
the existing board too powerful. It's all about balance.