Subj : Need help with consensus
To   : Lord Eros
From : Angus McLeod
Date : Mon Sep 12 2005 10:57 am

  Re: Need help with consensus
  By: Lord Eros to Angus McLeod on Mon Sep 12 2005 06:00:00

 > First the person should be nominated, establish a time frame until voting ta
 > place.  Give the person who is to be voted "limited" club access. So that pp
 > can get to know the person. More or less a probation period.

Yes, we require that the application be proposed and seconded by existing 
members.  The applicant then attends as the guest of the proposer and/or 
seconder and the three of them must then convince the remaining members of 
the suitability of the the candidate.

 > As far as current club members voting, I would only count actual ballots. Ca
 > assume that not voting means "no".

My current thoughts are in disagreement with you.  I don't see why not 
voting should be treated as if it means "YES".  If there is any question 
about an abstention, it should not be to the applicant's *advantage*.  It 
would be too easy to engineer abstentions by calling for a ballot when 
certain members were abroad, or by deliberately avoiding certain members.  
I don't know how to devise a system wherein abstentions are truly neutral.

I am actually leaning towards the concept that every single existing 
member must agree before a new member is accepted.  I recognise that this 
is unworkable in practice, but I don't want to go too far the other way.

 > During the "probation" period it is the responibility of the "Pledge" to
 > provide refreshments? That will prove their commitment.

Now *THAT* is a truly amazing suggestion!  And i am going to mention it 
the next time the subject comes up fpr discussion.

 > Personal, political views should not prevail, It's hard to get "any" group o
 > ppl together in one place and have them all agree on everything.

No, obviously not.  I can't stop old Fred from voting NO because he 
dislikes the candidate's politics, but such issues shouldn't be a part of 
official club policy.

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas.  Much appreciated.


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