[Osmf-talk] I agree | Re: Some questions about candidates' statements (CoI)

[Rory McCann]

Hello

On 06/12/2019 00:10, Peter Barth wrote:
> My definition of a potential conflict of interest:
> A potential conflict of interests arises, if there is a topic at
> board level where the interests of the OSM project and your
> employer *might* differ.

I agree.

To me, a CoI occures when your judgement could be clouded, when you 
could take other, non-OSM(F) benefits into account. If you have a CoI, 
then people cannot really trust your judgement, your vote. I don't think 
there's a big difference between a “CoI” and “potential CoI”, I think 
_all_ “potential CoIs” are really “less influential CoIs”, i.e. still a 
CoI 😉

CoI rules can _help_ employees. If it's decided you have a CoI, and are 
forbidden from voting, then your boss cannot disciple you. You did 
everything in your power to help the company, you were just blocked. 
This could be good protection for employees.

It sounds good to rely on “common sense”, unfortunately many people 
disagree about what that means! When you write things down, we can see 
on what we do and don't agree on. When we write things down, everyone 
know “the rules of the game” going into things. When we write things 
down, everyone can see if we're sticking to the rules.

> Do you agree with my statement or description of CoI/potential
> CoI? How would you cope with a CoI? How with a potential CoI?
> Especially will you take part in discussions? Share
> arguments,...? Public only? Private? Will you participate in
> votes? Will you make your CoI public? Will you make a potential
> CoI public?
> 
> I am specifically interested to hear an opinion of anyone
> directly or indirectly working for or with OSM or GIS data.
>