jdd - 17:52 8.02.16 wrote:
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Reason to create the "Friends" (seen by jdd):
The relation between openSUSE and it's main sponsor SUSE was never clear for openSUSE member (official or not). Whatever is true, almost everybody think that the orientation of openSUSE is very closely decided by SUSE. My idea is that it's partially true, but not by direct subordination, but by common interest.
Hopefully not everybody, I know that that this questions comes from time to time and we have to explain it again and again, but I hope that it stuck to at least some of those :-)
I'm largely convinced (without any proof, other than reading many posts) than many people are reluctant to engage more in openSUSE due to this perceived relationship.
I'm largely convinced (without any proof) that those will find some other excuse for not contributing once you take this one from them :-)
Think than developers can benefit directly of the SUSE infra-structure to help them develop, so have a direct interest to subscribe OBS, for example.
But most non-developers volunteers do not get any direct benefit, other than glory and self satisfaction. They do not feels like having real direction on what openSUSE do.
Well, there is TSP which I consider quite big benefit. Regarding the direction, well, I have to agree, that in our policies it is that those who do decide. So if developers wants to take a distribution in some direction, screaming people might not have enough scream to take it in different one. But foundation wouldn't change that. Or if it will, it will be totally different project than it is now - and from my PoV much worse one.
Building an "Friends..." non profit organization could (may be, you will have to comment!!) make this better.
The goal of this organization would be non profit, that is the direction and members of the organization couldn't get any money from it. This do not mean the organization can't collect money, only it have to be used for the social object of the organization (promoting openSUSE).
See it like some "supporters" of sports squads - cheerleaders ones :-))
Every member would have to pay a small fee (10€??) as membership, for each year, so we would know exactly how many people really support the "Friends". They could also donate and the money could be used to support openSUSE where it's not already done. I think of more local support (french or Vanuatu one...).
Kinda agreeing with Richard and Aaron in that I basically can't see the purpose except of marketing one (to be perceived by outsiders like more independent) given that SUSE is happy to pay for whatever we need :-)
More over, it could drive people to engage themselves a bit more. You know: you have more consideration for something you paid for than for something that was donated to you...
Or vice versa - you already paid for it, so you already donated, why giving away even your free time.
May be all this is a dream. Before making anything, we need to know if YOU would subscribe such organization. In France creating such thing needs three peoples and around 40€ for the creation publication, really cheap, but is it worth the fuss?
I see no benefit, just a lot of work, so not interested. btw. Just to make it clear, everything I wrote is just my personal opinion. -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse-project+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, email: opensuse-project+owner@opensuse.org