2008/6/24 Florence Devouard Anthere9@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!