re: I guess this is goodbye, and good luck

["Scott McGrath" <scott.mcgrath@oasis-open.org>]

Bruce, all,

First, I share your disappointment that you were not made aware of the
ongoing dialogue asking the OpenDocument Foundation to comply with OASIS'
long-standing membership rules.  I've heard from several Foundation
representatives that you did not have the benefit of knowing of the ongoing
conversation, so expect an update to my earlier message.

That said; allow me to alert you to another detail that may not be aware
of-- Our fee-waived membership program.

Your Chair can request a fee waived membership for folks who are making
necessary contributions and who are not able to fund their membership.  See
http://www.oasis-open.org/committees/liaison_policy.php#fee-wavedgrants for
details.

Please know that all member organizations are expected to be represented by
only employees.  Knowing that non-profits represent a wide variety of
constituents who may have an interest in OASIS work--but no qualified
staff-- we allow them to designate 2 representatives. See
http://www.oasis-open.org/join/membership_faq.php#a19  

You should also consider the benefits your community receives from this and
other membership rules, besides the ability to participate.  Our membership
policies are designed to clearly identify who you are collaborating with,
whose Intellectual Property is being contributed, which members are agreeing
to the TC Licensing Terms.  No one wants ODF to be tainted by unknown IP
contributions or claims, the membership policies protect you from that.

I hope that helps,

Scott McGrath
Senior Director of Member Services

Tel +1 978-667-5115 x202
Fax +1 978-667-5114
scott.mcgrath@oasis-open.org



Subject: I guess this is goodbye, and good luck

    * From: Bruce D'Arcus <bruce.darcus@OpenDocument.us>
    * To: office-metadata <office-metadata@lists.oasis-open.org>
    * Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 14:44:13 -0400

Hi All,

I just got a note from Scott McGrath, which said in part:

> On 16 May, OASIS member accounts for all non-employee OpenDocument 
> Foundation representatives will be deactivated, with the exception of 
> the Primary Representative, Gary Edwards. A second authorized 
> representative may be designated by written notification from Gary.

Unless some change happens, then, this will be my last day. I will no 
longer be able to participate in the ongoing metadata discussions and 
their final resolution with the TC.

Thankfully that work is almost done and I am happy with the results. 
Should the TC accept them, the contribution they will make to ODF 1.2 
will be profound.

But I think it incredibly unfortunate that this happens now, and 
particularly bad form on OASIS' part to be giving me and other 
Foundation members less than 24 hours notice.

On principle, I am not interested in self-funding my participation 
here. I already have donated a whole lot of valuable time to this work, 
none of which I get compensated for.

For the record, I'm not happy about this. It reinforces to me that 
OASIS is primarily a venue for the large vendors. ODF cannot flourish 
long term without broader particpation. That the rules for non-profits 
only (now? is this new??) allow two non-employee representatives is a 
case in point.

Anyway, best of luck with 1.2.

Bruce