Dariusz Jemielniak <darekj@...> writes: I know of people who are overwhelmed with negativity on the list. I myself feel it, too, although I am determined not to reduce my participation or liaising with the communities.
The negativity is not going to magically go away, especially not when we start seeing more people leave as we're being warned about right here. There is a reason that resignations are a popular response to scandal: without them, the negativity can continue for a long, long time.
Also, this is not a good time for smiley faces. I can't imagine that it feels empathetic to staff members who are feeling let down right now.
Dariusz Jemielniak <darekj@...> writes: I think that what is useful in such times is being precise: for instance, there was a voiced demand (which I support and consider reasonable) to have the Knowledge Engine explained. I really like the fact that there is an FAQ prepared and that there are answers posted. This is a constructive method of addressing a particular problem (I'm referring to the approach, not to the content, obviously, since it is a new page). I think we need precision in defining problems, and also precision in proposing constructive solutions, that's all.
OK, in terms of problems, staff are saying that it's Lila. Do you want them to be more specific in a public mailing list about how and where she has disappointed them? That seems like an awkward situation for Lila. I think the community has made it clear that we are disappointed about the transparency with regard to the Knight Foundation, continuing up to a disappointing blog post. Note that the WMF declined to disclose the grant until Andreas Kolbe emailed the grant officer John Brackens who said that revealing grant documents is entirely up to the grantee (ie, WMF). Donor privacy was never an issue. People are entitled to have a limit at which point they say "enough is enough". That limit may be different than yours, but it's clear that it has been reached for many people.
Now, in terms of constructive solutions: it takes 2 board members to call a special meeting, with a minimum 2 days notice. Have you tried? I suspect that Maria might second you. If you cannot find a second, please let us know.
At that special meeting, you can make a motion to address the issues. I know how I would word the motion, and I don't think I need to spell it out for you. But maybe you have innovative ideas. The community should see the breakdown of the votes.
I noticed in a later post you pointed towards the Human Resources Committee as tackling the problem. This committee is composed of Jimbo, Patricio, and Guy Kawasaki. So: the guy who called James, the one who was trying to help staff, a "fucking liar" (if I recall correctly), the Chair of the board who removed the staff's friend, and who can be held most directly responsible for the board's lack of transparency and actions as the elected leader of the board, and Guy, who I understand is quite influential in the board room, but whose last communication to us was to express support for Arnnon without knowing how to sign his wiki username. That does not sound like a constructive way forward. I really wish I didn't have to point out these negative facts, as I have no interest in hurting anyone's feelings. I keep holding off from posting, hoping that better news will come.
When I first heard about the removal of James, the quote that ran through my mind, which I expressed to Sam Klein in a phone call, was from Warren Buffett: "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you t hink about that, you'll do things differently".