[Foundation-l] A local chapter without Wikimedians

[Nathan]

The last few posts are discussing the operation of ChapCom, and the
relationship generally between chapters and the WMF. Valuable discussions
(although, in a sense, separate) but seemingly not what the initial e-mails
were requesting.

The question is, if the characterization of the Wikimedia Brasil is accurate
(i.e. comprised mainly of non-editors, hostile to editors, authoritarian to
the extent of banning discussion of chapter composition and goals, etc.)
what can be done? The answer may be nothing at all, and its possible (in
light if Jimmy's email) that there is a misunderstanding at the source of
this problem.

Whether something can be done from afar or not... Beria, Luiz and Porantim
are entitled to have the discussion focus at least initially on the specific
problem they point out. I suspect that there is very little that can be done
- the Foundation, and ChapCom, have almost no control over the operations of
any chapter. Even withdrawing permission to use the Wikimedia-related
intellectual property (without prejudging the need for that in this case, of
course) would need to be backed up in court in Brasil if a chapter refused
to comply.

Luiz, have there been any responses from members of WM-Brasil indicating
their desire to engage on this list (or on any list, I suppose) on this
dispute? If they join the discussion on Foundation-l, perhaps the mediation
of Florence or Jimmy (or Michael or Andrew) could help you come to an
understanding.

Nathan