[Fsfe-ie] 1-page letter, faxes at the ready (IFSO, irish org)

[Niall Douglas]

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On 25 Sep 2003 at 15:47, Ciaran O'Riordan wrote:

> As I've mentioned here before, I also have seperate aims.  I'd like to
> form an Ireland-based Free Software organisation.  It would not eat
> this list, it should have it's own lists.  Support has been shown for
> this idea and the name "Irish Free Software Organisation" (ifso.ie).

What's wrong with using this list? It was only created very recently, 
so we really can choose whatever direction we like for it. So long as 
it's generally about free software with an irish perspective, you're 
fine.

You'll also find people like me prefer to join as few lists as 
possible. I already waste enough of each day reading email and the 
signal to noise ratio is low enough.

> In the past two years, I've met with the staff and committees of
> half a dozen national, European, and American Free Software and
> digital-rights groups.  I've been looking at how they've run
> their orgs and trying to figure out the most effective methods.

I would use "human rights" rather than "digital rights". After all, 
all we're asking for is not to be exploited.

> Picking a board may involve hurting peoples feelings.  It has to be
> done, we'll have elections after one or two years.  Anyone that is
> committed won't let hurt feelings stop them from contributing anyway.
> The board will probably be formed from an agreement between members of
> this list.  This list is a place where people can get help and
> encourage others.  Capable people will become (semi-)obvious after a
> while.

I have six years of activist experience behind me and in my 
experience, the people who get a job are those who are willing to do 
it. Very rarely is there competition for a place - it's boring, 
tedious and long thankless work and few do it for free. Another point 
is most newbies don't realise this and are very enthusiastic to begin 
with, then quickly lose interest.

IMHO the only call for more organisation is perhaps to get the 
official FSF Ireland designation and thus access to FSF resources.

Cheers,
Niall





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