LEADERSHIP and a ROADMAP

[Peter Schwenke]

Daniel Sobey wrote:
> ...snip... 
> We do need to change, but just adding 3 layers of bureaucracy will not
> help, perhaps in 5 or 10 years when our community has grown it will be
> needed but not now.
> 
> So the question is if the current system is not working, or not working
> as well as it should why is the proposal is to replace 1 person with
> potentially 9 people.
> 
> There is some space for more people to step up into leadership but i'm
> not sure if anyone has come forward and offered themselves up. Perhaps
> part of the problem is that no one has come up with ideas and everyone
> is looking to Melissa for everything. Her approach is to let everyone do
> what they want and leave them up to themselves. 
> 
> I think there is a place for leadership but there is little point in
> adding another layer. If you think you have something to contribute go
> ahead and contribute, we need all the help we can get. You do not need
> to be approved before doing anything just make your suggestion and the
> community will help as much as we can.
> 
> The question we should be asking is what needs to be done and what isn't
> being done with the current system and how adding this will help.
> 

I am of a similar opinion to Daniel with regard to bureaucracy.
However, I have been biting my tongue.

The current set up is not stopping anybody from doing anything.

IMO the effort spent on drawing up leadership plans and roadmaps could
be spent on testing and (for the more technical folk) fixing bugs
(providing patches).

If a package you are using has issues, investigate why and report it.
For example, you might see it has been fixed upstream.

If you have some software you see that needs packaging for Ubuntu,
package it up.

When there is an event approaching (e.g. Software Freedom Day, Linux
Conf open day), those interested in organising something can send a
message to the mailing list.  Those who have the interest and time at
that period of their lives can join in and help with that event.

If you would like to do something in the wider community, send a message
to the list and see if you get help (and maybe advice) and do it.

If you have the ability to answer questions on forums, put some effort
in to that.

Then, after doing something, if you want a title or "belong", become an
Ubuntu member or something.

By doing the above some people will show leadership in organising something.

IMO, having elections and boards and titles etc does not make  any of
the above happen.   If you have 9 people, some of their circumstances
will change, they'll no longer be available to contribute.   I'm sure
many people here have been involved (or know others)in various clubs.
The same story.... Then you get the politics and vested interests and
perceived vested interests... and ...


-- 
                                                              Regards
                                                              ...Peter