Voting

Voting is a controversial area and one that causes  energetic discussion. In this section I outline the difference between a vote to make a decision, and gaining a consensus of the interested, where a vote is needed, where voting is applicable and the voting methods of EdLUG and its subgroups.

Voting in EdLUG

It is impossible to have a real vote in EdLUG. The word vote implies that EdLUG has a formal membership and it does not. Past methods of voting have included

• They can ask for an on-line vote +1 Agree  / -1 disagree
• The No-Objection method: By the list not responding at all to a suggestion they are basically saying OK you do it.
• They can unsubscribe/subscribe
• They can vote with their feet
• They can vote by raising their hands
• They can set up a Yahoo on-line vote
• They can set up another form of on-line vote
• All or any of the above at the same time

On-line voting techniques are awkward because there is no proof who has done the voting and how many times.

Even with the most passionate of debates, out of 200 Subscribers only about 20% were interested in participating in a vote. This means that 80% of people joining are just there to listen and learn about Linux or post occasional questions, they are not interested in whatever dispute is going on. Because of the small number a full consensus cannot be measured. If we imagine EdLUG as a large virtual crowd then 20% of people saying "I agree" is really just a murmur. However, this murmur is important and needs to be listened to.

This does not mean that decisions cannot be made. Subscribers can do whatever they like. If what they do is not liked by the group then flame wars begin until the subscriber starts to go along with the group's rough ideals. This is decision making by peer pressure.

There are actually very few reasons for EdLUG to vote. However there is a need for official approval of EdLUG(Outreach) policies and projects. Occasionally EdLUG(Outreach) will need to ask permission from EdLUG. For example the approval to send a letter or transfer money. EdLUG also needs a method of easily and quickly showing its approval or disapproval of decisions made by EdLUG(Outreach) If this check is not in place then EdLUG(Outreach) could theoretically do whatever it likes with EdLUG funds and name. There would be no way of legally stopping them and no legal way of disbanding the group. There must be some sort of accepted formal etiquette which is in place to show Approval/Disapproval. The official method by which EdLUG(Outreach) accepts decisions from EdLUG will be through the use of the procedures and etiquette of No Objections, Fishing and Trawling

Voting in EdLUG(Social)

Voting in EdLUG (Social) is done by someone standing up and asking for a show of hands. Previous decisions  have included the acceptance that there should be a no smoking area and the fact that the group should be called EdLUG(Social)