Formal v Informal structure

[Norm, VK3XCI]

Good evening all,
Well, I read through the logs of the IRC meeting and finally absorbed it all. 
Follows a few salient points.

1. My credentials... I have helped a Community Association (aka Progress 
Association), several Radio Clubs and a number of Professional Associations 
through the process of formation, incorporation, growth and sadly in one case 
failure. I have served on the committee of organisations as diverse as the "The 
Mount Hope Community Association" (membership 7) and branch of a "The Ulysses 
Club" (arguably the largest motorcycle club in the world!)

2. Formal Structure! If we are to "formally" elect representatives, we should 
really have some sort of formal membership structure. This ensures that only 
those who are bona-fide members can vote for their representative, or in fact 
stand for positions. There is nothing surer, dissent and finger pointing will 
eventuate at some stage, particularly when passions are stirred. The more formal 
the rules, the easier such things are resolved. Do you see where I'm going here? 
Is this what we want? If so, it is achievable. I am happy to provide advice and 
guidance.

2. Informal Structure, just like we have at present. (A meritocracy. Nice, I 
like the word). This usually happens when a bunch of like minded people get 
together and "appoint" from there numbers, suitable people do do the required 
jobs. Notice there is no mention of (formal) positions. Such a group is often 
called a steering committee and generally presages the formation of a larger, 
more formal group. But not always. Given good faith it is a workable model in 
it's own right.

3. My own preference is for an Informal model, with a minimum of jobs. Say 
Contact/liaison person, Webmaster/Wikimaster, mailing list Moderator and a 
Coordinator. Your milage will undoubtably vary!

Okay, enough from the Greybeard.  There's my hat in the ring, let's see how many 
bullet holes it gets :)

-- 



Norm, VK3XCI
Mildura, Australia
The Wintersun City
QF15bt.