[14:00] lets start [14:00] Roll Call ... [14:00] groovy [14:00] tgall here [14:00] Here [14:00] * wltjr is present [14:00] tsunam, ... [14:01] it's noon out west, so either asleep or at the weekly bay area crew's BBQ if they are still having those :) [14:01] We'll continue anyway ... the agenda is at http://xrl.us/bg25p [14:01] yup .. least we have quorum [14:01] NeddySeagoon, do you want a motion ? [14:02] * vln (n=v1n@unaffiliated/vln) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:02] * omsai is here [14:02] Dr_Who, I was just going to run through the agenda ... its been posted 2 weeks and no emails. [14:02] 1. Introductions [14:03] * fmccor looks for tsunam's contact info [14:04] You can read about me http://dev.gentoo.org/~neddyseagoon/docs/manifesto.xml thats my election manifesto [14:05] I'm not going to paste to the channel unless there is some demand for it [14:05] have to find the link with my intro / anifesto [14:05] * wltjr points to his http://dev.gentoo.org/~wltjr/manifestos/2008_gentoo_board_of_trustees.xml (out of laziness) [14:05] it's on the election page if anyone is curious [14:06] * shpaq (i=shpaq@gentoo/user/shpaq) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:06] * fmccor points to his note accepting nomination [14:07] Dr_Who, thats http://www.gentoo.org/proj/en/elections/foundation-200802.xml [14:07] Also linked from elections page. [14:08] I can't find anything for tsunam [14:08] fmccor, did you contact tsunam ? [14:08] NeddySeagoon, I can't find a contact for him. [14:08] thought he had sent that via email [14:08] * wltjr calls Josh [14:08] So did I, but I don't see it. [14:08] thanks ... [14:09] fmccor: Subject: Records, etc. [14:09] voicemail [14:09] ok .. we tried [14:10] Any more Introductions ? [14:10] left a vm, he is mia, I think bailed to Mexico via Gentoo funds :) [14:10] * Ken69267 (n=Ken69267@gentoo/developer/ken69267) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:10] Item 2 Vote of Thanks to Outgoing Trustees [14:10] well lets hope not [14:11] * welp (n=welp@gentoo/developer/colchester-lug.welp) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:11] * simple (n=simple@d226-31-5.home.cgocable.net) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:11] * DrEeevil (i=dreeevil@gentoo/user/bonsaikitten) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:11] DrEeevil: u2slow [14:11] I would like to propose a vote of thanks to the outgoing trustees and everyone who has helped to get the Gentoo Foundation off the ground. [14:11] I r [14:12] motion to acknowledge and deeply thank past trustees, and especially call out g2boojum for his help as we ste into our new roles [14:12] * simple has quit (Client Quit) [14:12] Second [14:12] * Tatsh (n=Tatsh_zz@c-76-19-124-178.hsd1.ma.comcast.net) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:12] NeddySeagoon, least i presume we're using parliamentary procedure... [14:13] And I vote for it. [14:13] * wltjr votes Yeah [14:13] i vote : yea [14:13] Carried [14:13] ^^^ for some reason thought it was 20:00 not 19:00 [14:13] for the meeting [14:13] tsunam: you fail. [14:13] * welp hides [14:13] welp: meh probably [14:13] hey tsunam [14:13] * fragalot beams at welp and tells him to behave. [14:14] tsunam: probably due to the council meetings being at 20:00 [14:14] tsunam: time wasn't mentioned in email, I think just on agenda page [14:14] fragalot: ;) [14:14] tsunam, we have done item 1 and 2 ... would you like to say a few words of introduction [14:14] It was in the email as a proposal. [14:14] Ken69267: you suck [14:14] ok, /me stfu [14:14] * omsai shusses audience [14:14] so [14:15] what is going to be spoken of? [14:15] NeddySeagoon: nothing really...most people are aware of me, if they are not. I've been around the foundation/trustee's for quite a while and poked at them for long enough to try and get things accomplished so [14:15] * Dr_Who points at topic for agenda [14:15] Tatsh: http://xrl.us/bg25p [14:15] fmccor: this is what I was referring to http://archives.gentoo.org/gentoo-nfp/msg_aa974a35dbb46f4b2d49f8ad1466eb31.xml [14:15] Tatsh, The agenda in in /topic [14:15] * vladms (n=vladms@200-112-dyn.ipact.nl) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:15] fmccor: I think the other with time might have been internal amongst us [14:16] tsunam, thats very true - thanks [14:16] NeddySeagoon, item 3? [14:16] Item 3 Announcement of Office Holders [14:16] well brb [14:16] tsunam: you just didn't write a manifesto ;) we all diverted to that for our intros [14:16] We decided the following :- [14:16] Roy Bamford (NeddySeagoon) President [14:16] Ferris McCormick (fmccor) - Vice President [14:16] Joshua Jackson (tsunam) - Treasurer [14:16] Tom Gall (tgall) - Secretary [14:16] William L. Thomson Jr. (wltjr) - Director [14:17] NeddySeagoon, i believe since ths is our first forma meeting, we do need motion and vote to approve that [14:17] * Tatsh has quit (Remote closed the connection) [14:17] which I so move :-) [14:17] So moved. [14:17] wait, who's Dr_Who and why does he have ops? [14:17] Dr_Who, It can't be a formal meeting - its open to members of the public ... but I don't mind a vote [14:17] welp wltjr [14:17] welp, Im tgall [14:17] welp: tgall [14:17] welp, tgall [14:17] I'm on my lappy ... [14:17] oh, ok, that clears that up [14:18] We agreed to be as transparent as possible .. [14:18] indeed [14:18] Dr_Who: and playing pappy :) [14:18] it would be a vote by the foundation...not an open vote however... [14:19] it's a great slate of folks and i think we all look forward to performing our respective roles [14:19] tsunam: yeah we did a mini one before you showed up for a vote of thanks to past trustees [14:19] tsunam, Even that is not needed for officers ... just the 5 of us [14:19] tsunam, correct [14:19] tsunam, which is what i meant ... and by formal meeting I mean a meeting of the 5 of us [14:19] k [14:19] Now we get to the interesting bits .. [14:20] point of order .. we have a motion on the floor [14:20] * wltjr seconds the motion [14:20] * NeddySeagoon is in favour [14:20] no need to second a point of order *laughs* [14:20] * wltjr votes Yeah [14:20] * fmccor votes yes [14:20] * Dr_Who votes yea [14:21] * tsunam checks yes [14:21] Unanimous [14:21] Item 4 Plan For the Future (With Approx Timescales) [14:21] * arachnist (i=arachnis@paludis/monkey/arachnist) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:21] * omsai leans forward in his seat [14:21] * fmccor notes that4 includes 5 & 6, really. [14:21] omsai: stop blocking my view! [14:22] fmccor, true [14:22] Well I can start with financial related materials if we'd like first [14:22] * omsai points at the overhead chat tv-screen [14:22] update bylaws, compliance with state, fed, establish bank account, other business, ~2 months time frame for all [14:22] tsunam, yes please ... I've lost moy notes [14:22] heh [14:22] locate and retain accountaint/registered agent, seek legal council on current legal/filing situation [14:23] sounds good tsunam [14:23] I put out some calls to various banks of friday [14:23] So far I've contacted bankofamerica, washington mutual, wells fargo, comerica, citibank [14:23] tsunam: any chances of establishing before correcting legal or is that a blocker? [14:23] of those, washington mutual does not deal with international at all so its eliminated [14:23] its a legal blocker [14:24] as its not a personal account... [14:24] tsunam: do we need to be concerned with international atm? couldn't that flow through PayPal? [14:24] As well for a business, there is background related materials for the group, and the person who is the treasurer as well. [14:24] tsunam: sure, just wasn't sure if you have made it to the requirements point with any [14:24] it would seem we have to face international at some point .. might as well do it from the start [14:24] wltjr: currently yes, however not everyone likes paypal, and being able to have people do wire transfers might be beneficial [14:25] tsunam, any outlook on costs vs service from what you saw ? [14:25] wltjr: as well...it would allow us to do wire transfers from our bank to other members who've spent money on behalf of the foundation [14:25] international will be like Citi, Chase, HSBC, etc [14:25] Dr_Who: citibank was the most knowledgeable [14:25] tsunam: we should be able to do wire transfers via western union worse case [14:25] tsunam, how about from a cost perspective ? [14:26] they have a service for sending money in euro's for example [14:26] but I don't believe western union offers any banking solutions [14:26] Dr_Who: unfortunately I was not able to get a true cost perspective due to the fact that I did not have all information available as well [14:26] tsunam: Citi is internationally owned, Kindom Holding Group, Saudi's, so likely best international support [14:26] tsunam: short of like Chase, now owned by J.P. Morgan [14:27] sounds like a good prospect ! [14:27] citibank as well...depending on what kind of organization we incorporate as (llc etc..) [14:27] has different accounts that are beneficial to us [14:27] sounds good [14:27] including interest based checking accounts potentially [14:27] tsunam: I think wrt to sending money internationally we can get by with PayPal and Western Union, not sure we need that to be part of actual banking solution [14:28] I will contact chase and hsbc next week [14:28] tsunam: now that would be ideal, as we should keep a min balance to satisfy the min requirements [14:28] tsunam, Right now we don't have a bank ... whats stopping us getting one and how/when can it be fixed ? [14:28] tsunam: interest barring for sure IMHO [14:28] I would prefer to keep a minimum ammount in the paypal account [14:45] * Tatsh (n=Tatsh_zz@c-76-19-124-178.hsd1.ma.comcast.net) has joined #gentoo-trustees [14:45] Dr_Who: not as far as I'm aware [14:45] Dr_Who, We have Articles of Incorporation and a Certificate of Incorporation Number. [14:46] Dr_Who: till 08, 990 wasn't required unless you had a certain amount of anual revenue [14:46] fmccor: yes I know ... [14:46] wltjr, that's not my understanding .. but for this conversation ... not important' [14:46] registered agents in NM seem cheap and readily available [14:46] wltjr: ~100 bucks [14:46] for the year [14:46] Dr_Who: it was in one of the documents I provided from IRS, i was reading it [14:47] wltjr, so for next meeting on the registration agent will you come back with a specific proposal then ? [14:47] tsunam: yep, not sure what other services they provide, some also provide filing services [14:47] seems like we should find an agent that can deal with the filings as well :) then we just modify bylaws, provide, they review, submit, etc, we pay [14:47] wltjr: they act as the business location for the organization. Take messages from the state...pass them to us. If someone was to call and ask for a listing of members they'd give them [14:47] wltjr, I'd suggest not waiting a month for this. [14:48] wltjr: there's not a whole lot fo them to do quite honestly [14:48] fmccor: it's an expenditure of money ... it needs approval [14:48] We can do that any time. [14:48] wltjr, they paying could be delayed if all our funds are in a cheque and we don't have a bank account ... its a little circular [14:48] yes... nothing saying we can't get together in 2 weeks or when wltjr has someting for us to act on [14:48] fmccor: I agree, and seeing how NeddySeagoon is out of US, feel like shopping around for a registered agent in NM? being our VP ? :) [14:48] * tsunam is looking over form 990 [14:49] NeddySeagoon: no, we can do out of pocket, or use PayPal checks :) [14:49] wltjr, ok. [14:49] wltjr: you rely far too heavily on paypal for my likes [14:49] NeddySeagoon: tsunam has access to our PayPal account, and it likely has enough funds to cover our restablishement [14:49] It does [14:49] tsunam: it's a crutch for now, but it's a really good way to send $ for an organization like ours [14:50] right ... but let's have a specific proposal from wltjr with an agent... [14:50] there are fee's associated with sending checks via it, so I'd rather pay out of my pocket and request being reimburst [14:50] we can worry about how to pay for it once we have that to act on [14:50] tsunam: I agree we should have a bank account, and not normally a fan of PayPal, but it's pretty ideal here, short of like Western Union or etc, which offers similar services [14:50] and costs ... so we can approve the expendature or not [14:50] This goes in steps. Right now, our agent is drobbins, and that stays until we are reestablished. Then we can change agents easily. [14:50] tsunam: sure, that's entirely up to you :) [14:50] wltjr: that is true but the kind of money we have in it...bothers me [14:50] NeddySeagoon, exactly [14:51] tsunam: agreed, and only benefitting them for the most part [14:51] tsunam, too much or too little ? [14:51] tsunam: I am not saying we should keep a balance there, just use it when needed :) [14:51] NeddySeagoon: too much [14:51] tsunam: they might offer some banking/interest solutions options, might want to give them a call as well [14:51] wltjr: I have no problem keeping a balance there, but it will take quite a while to draw funds from it to our bank account when it goes there. I'll bring that up after the bank account is established [14:51] fmccor: so feel like shopping around for a registered agent? [14:52] fmccor: they might refer us to an accountant, or offer those services as well, and that would be ideal [14:52] seems allot of registered agents deal with the filings, which would help us get things strait sooner rather than later [14:52] tsunam, yes nce we have the new account, we basically should just use paypal as a small slush fund with a goal to keep it at a certain balance ... like say $500 [14:53] Dr_Who: correct [14:53] I will be working on our back quarterly reports as well... [14:53] as I can do that at least from the paypal history [14:53] wltjr, It'd take me some time, because I have 0 contacts in NM. [14:54] tsunam, I was going to ask about that ... what shape are the financial records in that you inherited [14:54] fmccor: might be worthwhile to talk to Daniel Robbins and see about some of his contacts there [14:54] NeddySeagoon: 2 years overdue =) [14:54] fmccor: I am just googling, but seems like there is lots of potential [14:54] fmccor: it's a randmon let your fingers do the walking kind of thing [14:54] wltjr, fmccor: how about you two take that off line ? [14:54] fmccor, drobbins has a vested interest in helping get his name off the paperwork. [14:55] NeddySeagoon: I'm sure there will be things missed/unaccounted for. However I will try and match the balances as closely as possible and see if I can find where any missing money might of gone to. [14:55] NeddySeagoon, unless he wants to keep it on. [14:55] tsunam, or come from :) [14:55] NeddySeagoon: correct [14:55] fmccor, thats not a problem either ... [14:55] Right. [14:55] * vladms has quit ("Leaving") [14:56] Because right now he is our agent. [14:56] Dr_Who: we can, but best to be as transparent as possible [14:56] yes ... you two have to come back with a proposal anyway .... [14:56] FYI, it seems allot of the registered agent companies also provide other servies, like counseling :) [14:57] I would suggest contacting a few about probono for the "other" services [14:57] fmccor, you are going to call drobbins then ? He may know why we chose the 501 ... we did too [14:57] NeddySeagoon, He's usually on IRC in #gentoo-dev or can be reached by email. If I have to call him, I'll have to chase down a contact. [14:58] these guys look promising http://www.bizfilings.com/ [14:58] NeddySeagoon, One way or the other, I'll speak with him. [14:58] NeddySeagoon: it looks like many registered agents could help with providing info on 501c stuff [14:58] fmccor, Sorry - contact, in any way you like [14:58] because these companies are just registered agents :) [14:59] wltjr, fine ... audition a few [14:59] NeddySeagoon, And since drobbins is our agent at the moment, as a courtesy we need to speak with him before changing anyway. [14:59] I'm sure most of them don't work iwth non profit community driven linux distros ;-) [14:59] NeddySeagoon: I can, but really these are core tasks, best to be done by those with a ranking position [14:59] Dr_Who: I am not sure those details really matter [15:00] fmccor, yes thats for sure. We do not want to reincorporate with his name on the paperwork without his agreement [15:00] they do ... or you'll end up doing alot of explaining potentially [15:00] when we re-file, we need to see about getting our names on file [15:00] then it should just be a matter of changing the filing each year as part of anual report [15:00] We have to. We are reinstating, and our Articles are on file and the name him [15:01] I think we have to be active before changing agents. [15:01] fmccor, thats something to clarifiy [15:01] Dr_Who: they will care up to the point of being able to classify the entity, once they can classify us, they treat us like any other business with that classification [15:01] The paperwork Grant sent in last July names him as our agent. [15:01] basically after we're back good [15:02] fmccor: pretty sure not, I believe we can update the info as we reinstate [15:02] we can change and remove daniel from the president role etc...its filing some paperwork [15:02] tsunam: yes part of anual filing, but when we reinstate, we will be basically doing that [15:02] we winding down on that one then? [15:02] First priority is to get reinstated. [15:02] Looks like it ... [15:02] exactly [15:03] Then we can act as required. [15:03] Thats covered Items 5 and 6 in there too [15:03] In parallel we can work bylaws, and I have a couple clarifications on that. [15:03] yes but properly, and if we go reinstating an entity with like say g2boojum still being on file, we might need his signature to remove or something [15:03] wltjr, No. [15:04] Then the bylaws and statutes kick in. [15:04] which need to be approved [15:04] Everything we do depends on the bylaws, so long as they are consistent with the statutes. [15:04] we really need to get in touch with people that do this day in and day out [15:04] They are approved by us. [15:04] tsunam, before we send the paperwork in [15:05] NeddySeagoon: they've been in "waiting state" for 4 years :-P [15:05] ok .. so one homework item I think we have is to examine, propose (what if any) changes and then vote on the bylaws .. which I would suggest would be an item for the next meeting [15:05] Because they spell out membership requirements, and so on. [15:05] which again I'd like in 2 weeks [15:05] I'd say for now 2 weeks would be a good time period to keep stuff moving forward [15:05] as there's quite a bit to do right now [15:06] yup [15:06] we won't get it all done by the universal two week constant .. but we should see progress! [15:06] Dr_Who, we need to ensure the bylaws support the statuats, not contradict them - can we do that without legal help ? [15:06] NeddySeagoon, Yes. [15:07] NeddySeagoon, one characteristic we will want I'm sure is a reasonable process for modification of the bylaws [15:07] NeddySeagoon, but yes I agree that having a legal read as we modify / file will be necesary [15:08] Dr_Who, yep. There are a few oddities in there just now - but its not for this meeting [15:08] Mostly the statutes defer to the bylaws, and the bylaws call out such things as (1) who are the members of the Foundation; (2) what officers does the Foundation have; (3) Qualifications to serve as a Trustee, ... [15:08] * emery (n=emery@12-214-38-160.client.mchsi.com) has joined #gentoo-trustees [15:08] guidelines for how the foundaition is run... [15:08] Yes. [15:08] yeah .. and I don't think we're going for 100 pages of bylaws [15:08] Any more on the bylaws ... ? [15:08] tsunam, I understand [15:08] lol [15:08] Dr_Who: I hope not [15:09] gentoo documentation .. yes ... bylaws no :-) [15:09] To quote NM statutes: The bylaws may contain any provisions for the regulation and management [15:09] of the affairs of a corporation not inconsistent with law or the [15:09] articles of incorporation. [15:09] good quote! [15:09] next item then? [15:09] Agenda Item 7 Any Other Business .. [15:09] Bylaws should be 2 or 3 pages at most. [15:10] * Dr_Who doesn't have other business [15:10] fmccor, ? [15:10] tsunam, AOB ? [15:10] AOB? [15:10] Just one further comment on bylaws [15:10] oh [15:10] any other business.. [15:11] nope not from me [15:11] Any Other Business [15:11] fmccor, On you go [15:12] wltjr, AOB ? [15:12] The proposal on the foundations page mostly needs the Members section (IV) rewritten, because it bears no resemblence to what we do. [15:12] NeddySeagoon: not beyond more on the above ;) [15:12] * wltjr thinks we should tap the community wrt to registered agent/accountant [15:12] Otherwise, it's pretty much boilerplate, and can be made to fit our specifics. [15:13] fmccor, does it contracdit what we do ? [15:13] wltjr, Now, that is a good idea. [15:13] if we don't have any referrals, maybe someone in our community does, not sure if we should do a PR piece or GMN item [15:13] I have one item ... how can we get more help ? [15:13] There is a lot to do and just the 5 of us ... [15:14] but basically a call for help/referrals, on accountant/agent, and seems like any agent, can provide filing services, so we dial in bylaws, find an agent, and can pay them for the filing [15:14] NeddySeagoon, Membership? Yes. We don't admit members by application. Our members are certain developers or people who have voted for trustee in the past. [15:14] NeddySeagoon: it seems like a lot...but really isn't [15:14] * jokey (n=jokey@gentoo/developer/jokey) has joined #gentoo-trustees [15:14] currently memebers are: [15:14] Developers who've been developers over a year [15:14] NeddySeagoon, Bylaws will spell out how many trustees there are. [15:14] they automatically get put in... [15:15] and former developers [15:15] I believe up to a year afterwords [15:15] I'd have to review that part again [15:15] been a while since I last read them [15:15] tsunam, We are discovering what it is we don't know, thats good but I have a feeling that are a lot of unknows we don't even realise ... like an iceberg [15:15] NeddySeagoon: yes, that's why we need to retain those that do know ASAP [15:15] NeddySeagoon: technically we're supossed to have a lot of infomation about our members [15:16] the only thing we would need a lawyer for would be to review our articles IMHO [15:16] tsunam, I know, but we dont. [15:16] NeddySeagoon: yes I know [15:16] beyond that the rest can be done by an accountant and/or registered agent, wrt to NM and Fed filings [15:16] wltjr, That happened when they were put together --- drobbons's lawyer helped, I believe. [15:16] yeah that's one thing where traditional corp be it stock holders investors or whatever are typcailly more than an irc nick [15:17] tsunam, All we need is a name and a way to contact them, I think. [15:17] fmccor: correct [15:17] The NM statuats don't like virtual corporations [15:17] fmccor: yeah, and I think we would only need them if at all for a review, not really beyond that, unless we want ot pay someone to write our bylaws, etc :) [15:17] byt we do have the copyright assignment document ... so we do have something instrument wise there [15:17] that's the base requirements I believe [15:17] As long as they are on file with the agent and we can contact them when we need to, that should be enough. [15:18] I'll reread that section of the bylaws [15:18] Hmm ... that doesn't seem so bad ... if thats all we need to get us back on the rails [15:18] yup .. .good things for deeper discussion on a different day [15:18] NeddySeagoon: exactly [15:19] Any more AoB ? [15:19] Agenda Item 8 Open Floor [15:20] * crimethinker watches everyone fall through the open floor [15:20] * NeddySeagoon notes that there are 40 nicks [15:20] trustees: I'm interested in contributing to the financial health of Gentoo, but there's no breakdown of where the money goes... [15:20] there's just a paypal link [15:20] tsunam, one for you .. [15:20] omsai: hang tight, we have more $ than we need atm [15:20] omsai, as well start to establish reporting ... you'll see progress [15:21] omsai: correct, we have no budget nor have ever had one. Currently the money isn't being used to its full effective use [15:21] * Tatsh has quit (Read error: 110 (Connection timed out)) [15:21] omsai: we will be forming a budget, and getting our act there at some point [15:21] could the budget be posted publically? It would reassure the rest of us after the February "Crisis" [15:21] I need to get out that questionaire/survey for existing sponsors contributors, i will draft up a txt file and either upload it some where, or attach when I sent out the emails [15:22] omsai: absolutely, there is no reason it should not be public [15:22] emerge gentoo-budget [15:22] omsai: everything we do will be publically available [15:22] omsai, Such documents must be publically available (by law if for no other reason). [15:22] omsai: their never was a crisis, things were blown out of proportion by certain parties :) [15:22] wltjr: fmccor glad to hear it [15:22] omsai, we are required to file returns, which will be publicly available, so should the budget be [15:23] wltjr: I know, I know... it was a publicity stunt by someone ;) [15:23] omsai, Everything like that must be on file with our agent if nothing else. [15:23] omsai: want to thank you for the concern though, as you can see we're trying to get onto a good straight track with this group of trustee's. Hopefully it will happen within the next 2 months that we're ack in good legal standing and can move forward with the true goals of the foundation [15:23] omsai: FYI I brought the issues up early in January internally, because I knew they would be misperceived by others, which is exactly what happened when info accidentally leaked [15:23] lol, emerge --unmerge crisis [15:24] moozphat: you shouldn't install games ;) [15:24] trusstes: i was wondering if there's any chance to become a foundation member without being a developer [15:24] omsai: out of curiousity, what type of a donation are you thinking of? not in details but in concept, do you consider it a contribution or investment? [15:24] shpaq: currently at this time no, the bylaws do not allow that [15:24] trustees: thank you, that addresses my concern [15:24] shpaq, Not at the moment - we would need to chaneg the bylaws for that [15:24] wltjr: well it's on 2 levels [15:24] omsai: we have been discussing a bit to go 501c3 vs 501c6, to allow donations to be written off as charitable contributions [15:25] shpaq, Not at the moment, but if you have a proposal we can address it. One part of the "crisis" is that we don't have official bylaws. [15:25] wltjr: ordinarily it would the same amount as I would pay or a competing OS - $130 [15:25] Don't forget to donate to the FSF, too. [15:25] wltjr: ...at the moment I don't have any business interest, just desktop use [15:25] * Tatsh (n=Tatsh_zz@c-76-19-124-178.hsd1.ma.comcast.net) has joined #gentoo-trustees [15:25] omsai: would you be doing that so you could get a write off? or just to help gentoo as a way of giving back [15:26] shpaq, Its something that I want the trustees to discuss but I cannot anticipate the outcome [15:26] wltjr: to help Gentoo. $130 won't be much of a write off [15:26] yes .. we have a few questions yet and want to make sure that we follow the tax laws [15:26] omsai: basically trying to determine how many of our contributors are doing so for write off purposes, as a 501c3 would benefit them there, and possible encourage that [15:26] omsai, it adds up tho [15:26] wltjr: I'll have numbers for you by next meeting [15:27] wltjr: as to our number of contributors who are private citizens [15:27] tsunam: wrt? I still need to get you info :) [15:27] it would be nice to discuss it and allow non-developers to become a foundation's members [15:27] I can't tell you us/international though [15:27] tsunam: ah ok, I won't be going there, I will only be hitting up businesses I suspect [15:27] Dr_Who: but only in the US if I'm not mistaken [15:27] wltjr: I have 2 years of donations to paypal to account for [15:27] tsunam: wrt to our existing sponsors, like GNi, etc [15:27] i understand it needs some bylaws changes? [15:27] tsunam: and none of them can write that off [15:27] shpaq, Agreed but its for after the foundation is back in good standing in New Mexico and with the IRS [15:28] shpaq, We don't have official bylaws. [15:28] that's one of the problems [15:28] That's one of out problems. [15:28] I am not sure if this round of bylaws changes we will be looking to do any major changes like opening up membership [15:28] No. [15:29] that would be ideal, but not sure we want stuff like that, holding back other legal things that need to be taken care of [15:29] definitely not [15:29] I think we'll make them conform to what we do now, then step back and amend them as makes sense. [15:29] that's more for later one, once we have our house in order, and have recovered from that :) [15:29] but for certain ... I think we all feel the pressure to get bylaws in place soon [15:29] but tempered with legal realities that need to be reflect in those bylaws [15:30] Yes, because we can't act without them much. [15:30] Forgive me for not reading all the scroll, but doesn't it mean someone simply needs to write the bylaws and propose them to the group? [15:30] IE we ain't going to wait forever .. but we ain't going to pass something that's not right [15:30] yeah, and we seem to all be in concensus for the most part, which is good [15:30] cram_leak crimethinker [15:30] thus I think ~2 months is realistic to clean up or legal house for the most part [15:30] crimethinker, The "group" initially is the trustees, because the Foundation membership is part of the bylaws themselves. [15:30] crimethinker: it requires a substancial rewrite to be honest [15:31] crimethinker: good portions of things need to be redefined [15:31] and you have no draft yet? [15:31] we do [15:31] http://www.gentoo.org/foundation/en/bylaws.xml [15:31] we do .. we're not starting over from scratch [15:32] crimethinker, What this means is that we will propose them and pass them through the group (gentoo-nfp@?), but the approval is left to the trustees. [15:32] any rewording of our bylaws now would mostly be to change from 501c3 to 501c6, and/or any other immediate needs, leaving out most ideal things to be discussed and done at a later date [15:32] er, 501c6 to 501c3 [15:32]