Dear Tim, We are listening and I am definitely reading your comments. You have very good thoughts and are contributing to this discussion in a very thoughtful manner (as is usual for you). I apologize if my comments here seem antagonistic. That is not my intention. I am not trying to tear this idea down but rather add fuel for thought in the formative phases.
I for one agree with you that this is a much needed project to pull this already much divided community back together. To have one organizations vigorously promoting FOSS solutions will be good for all of us. I am not sure which acronym precipitated the ugly mail that you received. I will not try to not repeat it here. The reason I have bring up these issues is because I believe conflict-of-interest is one of the factors that has contributed to our current state. For this type of organization to do well all of the projects need to respect the new organization. The appearance of conflict-of-interest can be just as bad as the real thing precisely because of the way we communicate in these forums. I agree that board members should be allowed to participate in "paid or unpaid projects" with the caveat that conflict-of-interest and the appearance of conflict-of-interest should be avoided. I have emailed the documents that I created for OSMS to Fred Trotter and these have been forwarded to Ignacio Valdez. These documents were created under the Gnu Free Document License and are freely copyable to be used as desired. If you wish, I can include them here. I have an advantage in that I have already formed a not-for-profit corporation and have some experience in this area. Getting the 501(c)(3) designation is not easy and takes a long time. The Board-of-Directors should if at all possible include a accountant and an attorney. There are many legal and tax issues that come up and having these professionals on the board are invaluable. Sincerely, Sam Bowen, MD >1. The governing body of FMSF will be a Board of Directors. The >charter board members will be in office for one year from the date of >incorporation. >2. An election of the Board of Directors will be held at least 30 days >prior to the end of the first fiscal year. After this election, the >board should be rotated, probably on a 1/3 per year cycle. >3. Membership in FMSF is open to anyone wishing to participate in >research, writing, marketing and promoting FOSS in healthcare. The >board will work to develop partnerships and opportunities with academic >and funding organizations based on membership abilities and desires to >work as volunteers and/or in paid positions. >4. Board positions are non-paid. Board members are eligible to >participate in paid and unpaid projects that they qualify for.
