Liese - Jon also mentioned business trips and there was positive response to a an absentee ballot idea.

My own problem with the consensus method was just that I don't think we always reached it, it just appeared as if we did, because whomever spoke last seemed to gain the most momentum. This may not get any more formal than voting on things. It may not even get that far if people vote against voting - which is an option.

My two cents about the ballot is that it should be very simple -- something with just the item number and the yes or no, so like...

Item 1: no

Item 2: no

Item 3: no

Item 4: no.

When the motion is posted in press, it should contain a sample of what kind of email to send. Since jengod is counting this time, jengod, do you have a preference for how people send you their votes?

Honestly, Cindy, I should just shup up and let you post for me all the time.

I dunno, Jesse. I'm sitting here reading Liese's post and reminding myself that when I first found the Buffistas (at WXing no less) that I vowed I'd just stay in the topic threads. Liese, that's not a slap at you, either. It's a I-hate-politics-so-what-am-I-doing kick in my own pants. I want to wave a magic wand and give each Buffista his or her own private version of their favorite things about the Buffistas.

Well, I for one am glad you are helping us all think through all this stuff. Because I can think of few things more important than governance. I mean, once we know what the rules are, and how we're going to do things, it should cut down on so much handwringing and bad feeling. (Not to get all real-life, but it's like the 2000 presidential election -- Democrats aren't pissed off because their guy lost, but because they don't think it was done fairly.)

Democrats aren't pissed off because their guy lost, but because they don't think it was done fairly.)

Except for me. I'm also pissed that my guy lost (sorry for any inadvertant earwormage).

I'm glad we are having this discussion because I think figuring out how we decide things is a necessary component of deciding who we want to be.

I'm also pissed that my guy lost

Well, yeah, but you know what I'm saying -- poorly designed and implemented processes lead to a lot more bad feelings than just losing, I think.

I found it kind of comforting, because I could blame W's shennanigans (I think I have too many letters in that) rather than face the fact that it never should have been that close of a race in the first place.

Cindy - If it hasn't been said enough, I think you've done an amazing job of writing the ballot questions.

I was just thinking about the web-based email form, and I think it wouldn't be difficult to code (especially with the "E-mail Admins" page as a template). IF (and that's a big bold if) I have time tonight, and IF ita supports me (in that she may have reasons why she doesn't want it done this way), I may be able to code up a page quick and dirty that automatically sends an email to the votes@ address.

I am around! I'm working and therefore not here 100%, but I'm here.

Again, all I really ask is that you start out with:

My username is Anathema/Jesse/victor infante

After that the following would be a good format, but I'm flexible:

1. YES
2. NO
3. etc.

Question - do we want to wait for Jon, or announce now what the ballot would be like.

John, we would want (if possible) a field for Buffista name, so that jengod can ensure against duplicate votes.