been a while - cannon fodder perhaps then again it may not be

[Paul O'Malley - gnu's not unix -]

I saw what has gone on in this list, and I am feeling some of the pain I 
previously felt. So here are some thoughts from someone who does not 
have to live with what you are going though.

If you are an op for more than a couple of years you should try to take 
a break - I know this is needed - it is my own opinion you are fooling 
yourself if you think it is not.

The functions as I see them at this remove still get the same arguments 
- vague uncomfortable feelings and others have them too - I understand 
JPs comment about "out with the feeling lets solve it"

in tech support 12 - 18 months is the normal turn around

people like me left because we got worn out with the amount of edge 
cases we dealt with

at a glance - and this is without too much work on my part
the same things are being said "these vague things are wrong"

let me try to say what it is

Culture clashes.
Culture clashes, combined with a lack of empathy for the other ops point 
of view.
Culture clashes, combined with a lack of empathy for the other ops point 
of view, and if you are on the wrong side of an argument, then you feel 
trolled not just by the troll, but by your own side as well.
I could keep expanding this, but I won't.

There is no way to put this, the structure exists.

In my mind, a memory of Prague UDS comes to me.
I am going to make a suggestion given my own views of IRC and community.

IRC Council people should walk away on a staggered basis over a three 
years less one month period. Every seven months should see someone go. 
(Draw lots for the current bunch.
Don't worry about seats not being filled, they will be, people either 
grow into them or move on.

No sense of duty should keep you in the firing line for the troll fest.
Approvals for operators could be via the locos. If you can't do a 
national loco and achieve consensus how can you expect to do international.

It is only a suggestion, but I think it would help the situation to 
progress, and the individuals involved.

As for operators, give them a forced month off in every 18.

Ultimately the reason you got involved with irc was to help your fellow 
users.

There is nothing to prevent someone who leaves the IRCC from joining but 
you could look at it as they get seven months off.

Either that or take more people onto the IRCC and have a broader church 
   of opinion.

All the best no matter what you choose.

Regards,
P.