Mal ,'Objects In Space'
We open it up, we talks the talk, we votes, we shuts it down. This thread is to free up Bureaucracy for daily details as we hammer out the Big Issues towards a vote. Open only when a proposal has been made and seconded according to Buffista policy (Which we voted on!). If this thread is closed, hie thee to Bureaucracy instead!
I ask because I think of the How-To, Etiquette, and to a much lesser degree the FAQ as our rules pages.
Which seems to indicate that, if there is to be any change to the FAQ itself, you want it to be voted upon.
But there have already been consensed changes to the FAQ without voting, yes?
So as a procedural matter, I think I understand what happens when it is decided to not vote on the matter formally and make it a matter of consensus, but still abide by the voting rules. The key element is simply that the original proposer (Betsy) withdraws her proposal after Lightbulbs has been open for it's requisite four days and everybody has had a chance to discuss the issue.
We can also work on the exact wording (as we're doing) for inclusion in the FAQ and etiquette guides. Ultimately it goes back to Bureau, and it would probably be worthwhile to post a notice saying the community has clarified this issue.
One question on it though: When a proposal is withdrawn, does the six month moratorium still apply? That is, if somebody really felt strongly that this needed a vote rather than a consensus could they repropose it? I'm not clear on that element.
Otherwise though, I'm very happy to see this hammered out in a compromise which clarifies our stance on the issue, provides some guidelines and expectations and accomodates both sides.
But there have already been consensed changes to the FAQ without voting, yes?
Definitely.
I like to address things when there is no pressing issue -- makes it so much easier to think about things in the abstract.
agreed. cause when it actually is an issue then EVERYONE will be all worked up and some will be screaming for their heads and others will be lamenting why we would ever want to punish anyone.
Wow. This must be how the DMV came up with all of their red tape.
One question on it though: When a proposal is withdrawn, does the six month moratorium still apply?
I think we established by precedent from the last withdrawn proposal that the moratorium does *not* apply, but I could be misremembering that.
ND -- what's your alternative suggestion?
Honestly. The fact is, 1600 people will never all agree. Even the top-25 posters will never all agree. We are looking for a way to satisfy as many people as possible. If you are dissatisfied, you don't have to be here. Period.
But there have already been consensed changes to the FAQ without voting, yes?
yes - there clearly have been. did any of them address board policy though, or were they dealing with non-policy things covered in the FAQ? (lord knows the FAQ deals with tons that is not affecting board rules).
If you are dissatisfied, you don't have to be here. Period.
and if reading about the bureaublah makes you grumpy, then no one is holding a gun to head your head and forcing to read this thread. Anything coming to a vote will be posted in Press, so there shouldn't be any fear of being disenfranchised.