[oclug] the rudderless club

[Brad Barnett]

On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 18:52:15 -0500
"Dan Langille" <dan at langille.org> wrote:

> On 3 Nov 2004 at 18:50, Ross Jordan wrote:
> 
> > I think people are being quite quick to criticize. This is a volunteer
> > based organization. If people work hard for OCLUG, I think that is
> > great(and certainly many have). But I don't think it is right to
> > criticize those volunteers who have stepped up to the plate. If you
> > don't like it, do something about it yourself =)
> 
> What Ross said.
> 
> If you don't like the way it's being done, you should either step 
> forward to do the work yourself, or shut up.


These thoughts are so far from the truth that I feel I must respond.

I'll put aside all issues of whether or not the current volunteers are
doing their job or not.  Personally, I haven't been paying enough
attention to even begin an evaluation.

In the wider scope of things, though, the above statements are a complete
cop out.  When someone volunteers to do a job, they have given their word.
 When someone gives their word, they should honour it.  Decisions are made
based upon the fact that people have given their word.  Expectations are
in place, and rightly so.

We can take a simple example; helping someone move.  Does anyone honestly
think that if you have given your word to a friend, promising your help,
that you should not put 100% into that effort?  Should one take no care
when helping said friend move, and carelessly treat those personal
possessions?  Should one show up late, or not at all, and even worse not
call to inform your friend that something has come up?

Should a person be criticized for acting improperly as described above? 
If someone starts throwing precious breakables into the truck, because
they are merely volunteering their time and they are in a hurry, should
that person be criticized?

Of course!

In short, if someone has given their word, they should follow through.

This does not mean that understanding should not follow with that critical
eye.  It should.  As well, there is naturally a difference between not
doing a job or not doing it poorly, and when deciding to do a job
differently than others would want.  The first is the cop out I
originally spoken of, the second is a matter of opinion.

And of course, the first is a matter to be criticized, and the second is a
matter of debate.  Criticize the poorly done job, and debate the merits of
any opinion.

Volunteer or not.