[Foundation-l] Foundation Discretion Regarding Personnel Matters

[GerardM]

Hoi,
Tabloids have an infinite capability of spin. the assumption that you can
prevent them from misrepresenting "truth" is precarious, borderline insane.
So it is a situation where you only lose anyway. Given our communities
abilty to rub salt in wounds, we do not even need others to inflict damage.
Thanks,
    GerardM

On Dec 14, 2007 6:42 PM, Thomas Dalton <thomas.dalton at gmail.com> wrote:

> On 14/12/2007, GerardM <gerard.meijssen at gmail.com> wrote:
> > Hoi,
> > I think that is a bit naive. A confidentiality agreement when someone
> leaves
> > may assure that both parties indicate to the rest of the world that the
> > parture of ways was amicable. The alternative can be quite costly and
> > unproductive. If anything, the only thing I wish the WMF would have done
> > differently is make a public statement at the time that "Carolyn has
> left
> > her position, and that we thank her for the services rendered". This
> would
> > be an adequate and honest statement as long as it is true. It is true as
> > long as no criminal offences have happened. When there were, and to the
> best
> > opinion of the WMF this is the best way of ending the relation, it
> should
> > still be true as far as the rest of the world is concerned. And, I am
> happy
> > to say, we, the community of volunteers of the WMF projects, qualify as
> > such.
>
> While such an agreement may seem like a good idea at the time, I think
> the current situation shows why that thinking is flawed. Had the WMF
> been open about the whole situation at the time, we wouldn't now be in
> the situation of having our credibility ripped to shreds in the
> tabloids. It's not a fun thing to do, but generally when something bad
> has happened it's best to admit it and face the music, trying to keep
> it hidden just results in more trouble in the long run.
>
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