On 3/8/07, Alison Wheeler wikimedia@alisonwheeler.com wrote:
Over recent weeks I have tried to find an acceptable way around this impasse but now, regrettably, have concluded that one does not exist that meets the requirements of Company Law alongside the expectations of the wider group of editors who set this organisation in motion. It it thus the case that as the leader of this organisation I must take responsibility for that failure to progress and therefore must tender my resignation to the Board.
Dear Alison,
this is disappointing news - and, without being fully aware of the situation, it seems as if you are being unfair to yourself. Primarily, I don't understand what the requirements of "company law" are, and how they would prevent you from taking further action. However, I respect your judgment and decision, and will accept whatever you decide to do.
From a peripheral perspective (which unfortunately I have taken in
WER/WMUK over the past year or so), it looks to me as if the non-activity here is of a more general nature - a lack of activity on Meta, a lack of face to face or IRC meetings specifically about the chapter, even a lack of ideas for activities etc on this list. I feel every bit as much to blame for this as the next person.
However, I realise that what I'm saying does not relate directly to the internal matters of organisation, incorporation, granting of charity status etc. - this is simply a personal wish that we would actually use the opportunity to do great things, of which we are more than capable. But, unless I am mistaken, we already have the legal structure to undertake projects - perhaps it would be good to have a period of "taking stock" of where we are, what we have in place, what is possible to do now, and what we need to do in the near future?
I also think that, in the meantime, we should recognise the great work that Alison has put into WikimediaUK (amongst which, drafting and honing the legal documents to get it incorporated, working on a fantastic bid to host Wikimania), so, to Alison, regardless of what you decide to do, I'd like to express my warm thanks so far.
Regards,
Cormac