Re: [Fsfe-uk] Just a Minute

[Martin Keegan]

On Mon, 15 Apr 2002 address@hidden wrote:

> As someone who wasn't there, will someone *please* tell me what the
> hell was discussed that Martin Coxall feels didn't come across in
> the notes? 

Shortly into the meeting, the group split into two tables, as per the
agenda. One table carried on the discussion detailed in the minutes. The
other table (at which Mr Coxall[*] was present) had a much more
free-ranging discussion, which was basically unminutable. 

[*] Sorry, I've forgotten his first name (Mark or Martin)!

The two tables then re-formed into one group, and there was a loud
disagreement between Phil Hands and Mr Coxall, during which discussion
voices were raised, and not lowered even when this was requested in the
interests of the random members of the public who were also in the pub.

I expect Richard Smedley (sp?) gave up on attempting to minute the
discussion which took place at Table 2, and that his minutes if any didn't
make it into the amalgamated version posted to the list. I can't see how
anyone could have failed to note the Hands/Coxall spat, even if they'd
been half-way down the road! That it didn't make it into the minutes even
as a one-liner "There was much heated discussion of the interrelationship
of software patents and free software, and how this should affect AFFS as
an organisation" strikes me as questionable.

This doesn't excuse the *tone* of Mr Coxall's outburst, nor do I condone
his attacks on the alleged officiousness and bureaucracy of those who are
actually getting things done for AFFS. I do however sympathise with the
"general feeling" at his end of the table that they were having a fait
accompli thrust upon them, in respect of the aims, ethos, strategy and
structure of the organisation.

Mk