Originally Posted by
Dovster
Nor is Randy TalkBoard's "boss". He may be the boss of the moderators who he appoints but not that of TalkBoard, which is elected by the membership.
That's a finely split hair.
Here are a few choice sections of the Talkboard Guidelines
1. MISSION
1. The FlyerTalk TalkBoard (TB) exists to
- represent the interests of the FlyerTalk membership at large
- to serve in an advisory capacity to the Flyer Talk host
2. The TB serves the following purposes:
- prioritizing recommendations on product/service enhancements for FlyerTalk
- involvement in the Q&A process - participating in alpha/beta testing and participating between the Beta and general release (Beta acceptance) of product/service development
- providing input to the FlyerTalk host regarding general user issues as may be directed to them by the general FT Member population.
- responding to action requests from the FlyerTalk host for issues/situations that fall outside the scope of established policies and procedures
- ensuring on-going feedback between the FlyerTalk host, his representatives, and its General Members.
So it sure looks from that like TB advises the host, provides input to the host, and is tasked with
responding to requests from the host.
2. BOARD ORGANIZATION
1. TB Members
- The TB will consist of 9 voting members, chosen by popular election and an at-large member chosen by Randy. The FT host can serve as an ad hoc TB member at will and has the authority to quell any issue being discussed by the TalkBoard, which interferes with the overall operation and well-being of the Flyer Talk web site.
The host can quell any discussion that the host wants.
2. Election/Selection
1. TB Member
- Interested candidates must be able to commit to minimum weekly discussion and voting participation then submit a profile specifying their area of primary interest and involvement in the FT Community (e.g. which miles/points area is of primary interest), accompanied by a statement describing their reason(s) for choosing to be a candidate. It is the goal and intention of the FT host that on the First of September, the names of the candidates will be announced so that FT Members will have an opportunity to become acquainted with them; however, the date may be changed at the discretion of the FT host. For a minimum of 2 weeks following the announcement of candidates, FT Members will vote and FlyerTalk Management will tally results. The new TB member(s) will be announced within ten days of the end of the vote closure. The Term of these newly elected TB members will begin within the week.
He can, in various ways, rig the election.
3. Term of Membership
1. TB Member
- The term of a TB member shall be two (2)) years. There is no limit to the consecutive number of terms to which a member may be re-elected. The number of board members being elected each year depends upon the actions of the FT host in exercising his appointment privileges. A member may have his/her term extended indefinitely at the request of the FlyerTalk Host.
He can appoint members and extend them at will.
4. Resignation/Termination
- A vacancy in the TB shall be declared if a member:
- Resigns
- Is removed at the request of the FlyerTalk Host or a 2/3 vote of the TBmembership
He can unilaterally remove a member.
6. Replacement
- A vacancy in the TB shall be filled by appointment by the Flyer Talk host, for the remaining unexpired term. The TB will use the election results from the latest election to determine eligible candidates and submit them to the Flyer Talk host for consideration working in an advisory capacity only. The FT host makes the final decision on replacements, announces it to the FT Community at large, and grants access to the private TalkBoard forum.
He can unilaterally decide on replacements.
Now, I don't know how you define boss. When someone has the unilateral authority to hire, fire, replace, and direct the discussion of the board,
most people would consider that role to be somewhat inclusive of the term "boss."
The mod thing is flamebait. Randy has all those same rights (obviously) with the moderators, with the difference being that he's decided to stick to his own judgment for their appointment rather than electing them from the body politic.
Originally Posted by
Dovster
Randy has repeatedly said during TB elections that he is only one member with one vote -- and that is the way it should be. It would be a ridiculous situation to have a TalkBoard elected to advise Randy and then expect it to tell Randy only what he wants to hear. What possible good does that do for anyone (including Randy)?
On the contrary--what possible good does it do to ask the
boss to reconsider a decision that's now been made, re-affirmed, and implemented over the course of 4 years?
Originally Posted by
Dovster
Randy, of course, is free to accept or reject that advice.
Which is ultimately (besides the ownership and delegated contractual stuff from IB) why he's still the boss.