[Osmf-talk] OSMF membership applications rejected

[Frederik Ramm]

Hi,

On 25.08.2012 20:21, Kai Krueger wrote:
> For board members these are then up to the democratic process of
> the elections to decide whether the larger OSMF body agrees with these
> views or not.

I don't know about the board decision making process that led to the 
rejection of Mike's membership application.

I think that if he had written a proper manifesto that goes something 
like: "I think the license change was one big mistake; vote me in and 
I'll dedicate my board time to getting us back on the Creative Commons 
track", and then had properly signed up and paid his £15, then nobody 
would have objected. Having different views is not a reason to be kept out.

It was certainly a difficult decision for the board because it was 
forseeable that it would receive a lot of discussion - one way or the 
other. Had they allowed these sponsored memberships to stand, they would 
have been accused of simply rubber-stamping all applications instead of 
using their right to reject some.

I guess this "rejecting membership applications" must go on the list of 
"things we need a clear policy for".

> Is there a legal framework to allow OSMF membership, but deny candidacy
> for board elections?

I don't think so, and I wouldn't feel good about having second-class 
members who are good enough to pay the membership fee but not good 
enough to be allowed to run for a seat on the board.

Bye
Frederik

-- 
Frederik Ramm  ##  eMail frederik at remote.org  ##  N49°00'09" E008°23'33"