User:Nutty Roux/Guide to board elections

Boards in general and the RMF board's relationship with RW
Corporate boards of directors are charged with a number of duties. The RMF board doesn't require a big expenditure of time, but exercising these duties competently does require a certain amount of life experience, experience with RW, and good judgment. The RMF and RW are different things. RW is property owned by the RMF. The RMF is not beholden to RW or RWians. Board members do not "represent" RWians as elected representatives, as several editors have stated. They are elected to exercise independent judgment, not the will of voters. Likewise, individual RWians are not beholden to the RMF, however some aspects of their relationship with the RMF may be regulated consistent with the RMF's authority over its property as set out in or permitted by the by-laws. Read them.

The 2014 board
I believe the 2014 board was well-composed and I have respect for each of the 2014 board members and officers. I recommend any current board members who stand for reelection.

Past and future candidates
In the past, editors have been nominated for board positions for what I believe have been inappropriate reasons, even if they weren't expressly stated. Board elections cannot be a popularity contest. "Prominent" editors cannot be assumed to have what it takes — some absolutely do not. Some have shown an abysmal understanding of the board's necessary position on "problematic" content and what the pendency of lawsuits means on a basic level, as well as a troubling resistance to learning. Threshold considerations of a candidate might include whether he or she has an understanding of (a) what is and is not for this "community" to decide, (b) the board's obligation not to get involved in editorial matters vis a vis the significance of the good samaritan provision of the Communications Decency Act, (c) the relationship between the RMF and RW, (d) the significance of lawsuits and legal threats; and (d) implementing the RMF's mission.

A general exhortation
I encourage anyone inclined to nominate someone for a board position to give consideration to the basic criteria I stated, as well as what criteria their own research (even if cursory) reveals are relevant. I think you'll realize that qualified candidates stand out, just as do unqualified candidates. You might consult them privately to ask whether they wish to stand. Some will be waiting to be asked. Others have no interest in getting involved.

Nutty Roux (talk) 20:35, 12 January 2015 (UTC)