I just posted this to the 'themes.org' article'...

I am generally dismayed by comments like this: "The powers that be, whose interests are completely separate from those of the community that themes.org serves, have decided..."

I was in NY for linuxworld & met a bunch of the former OSDN core people and general volunteers & what they had to say was just as forboding. Even some of the current employees/volunteers had nothing positive to say. (The SF guys were still cool)

I have since begun, and this was a seed idea previously, discussions with many good, high-quality, yet lesser known sites that live in OSDN's shadow to form a strong organization by consent instead of by ownership.... from the 'working doc':

*Create greater visibility for the entire organization outside of member sites. (Get out from under the shadow)
*Create greater visibilty for member sites within the organization.
*Work together to share our individual gifts, talents, and resources. (work together without owning J00!)
*It is recognized that each member's primary responsibility is to their contributing resource (website, company, or service). No member is expected or required to adversely affect their resource in advancing the network. (Do your own thing without interferance)
*The network will recognize all members as equal. Regardless of size, resources, status or seniority.
*We will work by a social structure of respect. The members with the greatest respect will act as benevolent dictators. But, one member equals one vote on all 'official' matters.
*We will work openly on all matters and keep a public record.
*We are an association by consent.
*We will be an inclusive organization. That is to say that we will happily agree to disagree for the purpose of working together on our common goals.

This sounds a little high minded, but it should playout practically. Sites work together instead of alone. They share resources/talents, whatever they can offer. And, do not give up control of their vision!

These sites can have differing opinions from each other on content & cheese off other members because they aren't ultimately tied to each other, but the differing views and opinions are very healthy to the organization.

For the record, sites so far are generally waiting for a big player to join before becoming official members. I get the impression some are still waiting for that sugar daddy that isn't coming. It's not 1998 anymore guys. Back to basics!