[Foundation-l] Questions about new Fellow

[MZMcBride]

Birgitte SB wrote:
> This isn't the first time someone who perceived your tone negatively has
> written about it seeking a remedy.  Perhaps the fault is not with David's nor
> Nathan's perception skills.
> 
> Perhaps you might find more success if you change your approach in the
> following ways.
> 
> 1) Don't ask questions you already know the answer to.  It seems as if you
> expect people to lie and is perceived as both insulting and insincere.

There's a difference between knowing the answer and thinking I know the
answer. It's generally better not to assume and to instead ask questions, in
my opinion. I could've easily formed an opinion about Achal's
Wikimedia-related work in India without ever having posted to this list (or
spoken to him), but I don't think that'd be a fair (or necessarily accurate)
assessment. Asking questions allows me to gain information and insight (in
theory, anyway).

> 2) Do state what your concerns are point-blank.  Are you concerned WMF
> fellowships are too numerous or too generous?  Are you concerned that Foo who
> is better qualified was not given the fellowship instead? Do you have a
> grievance with this particular fellow or some work he has done in the past?
> Are you concerned that the work being done as part of the fellowship is not
> useful? Or do do you think the fellowship itself turned out decently, but are
> concerned that your input was not solicited when it was in the proposal stage?
> After reading all your questions which seem to assume some general knowledge
> that I don't have (i.e. what "people" have been saying), I haven't a clue what
> your concern actually is.

I've tried both approaches. Being direct generally comes across as rude.
Being leading or making casual suggestions generally comes across as ...
indirect and rude. It seems like a no-win situation from where I'm sitting.
I'm asking questions about people's motives and actions; people generally
don't like that, even ones who say they like openness and transparency. As
Nathan and others have said, nobody is obligated to answer my questions (or
even read my posts). But when there are questions that I think need to be
raised that aren't being raised, I'll take the time to write something
coherent.

With all due respect, you not understanding the questions I'm asking doesn't
particularly concern me. The questions weren't directed toward you and I
wasn't seeking your input, so it's natural for you not to really know what
I'm talking about or understand my concerns. I don't mean that in any rude
way, I really don't.

Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate it.

MZMcBride