- DRAFT: This is a draft document. *
The nanomsg organization is govered by a leader who we refer to as the BDFL (Benevolent Dictator For Life). This person, Garrett D'Amore garrett@damore.org, is responsible for providing technical oversight and leadership to the project.
As indicated, this is a dictatorship. Our belief is that strong leadership is required to ensure the direction of the project, and that governance by consensus is not an effective way for the project to continue to evolve and grow to the meet needs of its users.
The BDFL has the ability to change, or act in contravention to, any of the policies outlined here, within the limits imposed by law.
The purpose of this document is to communicate the principles by which the BDFL, at least at the time he wrote this, intends to lead.
The software developed by the nanomsg organization is all to be done under open source licenses. Thus, if at any time, any party or parties wish to fork the project and start their own, they may of course do so. They may not however use the nanomsg name, or any of the other trademarks associated with nanomsg or individual community members, without the express permission of the owners of those marks.
In order to advise the BDFL, a leadership council will be formed of members of the community who are believed to represent the interests of the community. Its members serve at the pleasure of the BDFL, but nominations shall be considered from the community at large.
It is possible that some of these seats will be filled democratically, using an election process to be determined, however ultimately subject to approval by the BDFL.
The leadership council has powers and responsibilities granted to it by the BDFL.
It is expected that the leadership council will meet at some periodic interval.
It is expected that the council will consist of at least 3, and not more than 7, members.
Nobody lives forever, not even BDFLs.
In the event that the BDFL becomes deceased, or legally declared incompetent (following the laws of his state of residence, California), it is his intent that the Leadership Council shall provide a continuity of leadership for the project.
In this case, decisions pertaining to the day-to-day operations of the project shall require a simple majority of all then serving Council Members.
Further, decisions changing the manner of governance of the project shall require a 2/3 supermajority of then serving Council Members.
Further, in the event that the BDFL is no longer able to serve, having been deceased or become legally incompetent, the then serving Leadership Council may unanimously elect a new BDFL, who will then obtain all the rights associated with BDFL.
In the case of a temporary impairment (incompetence), if the Leadership Council has not elected a successor BDFL first, the previous BDFL shall regain their BDFL status.
A BDFL may willingly abdicate, in writing. In such case, it shall be treated as if he had become deceased.
As with everything else, the serving BDFL may change these rules of succession at any time, including by naming a successor.
As a community organization, it is important that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is welcoming and respectful of others.
Accordingly, we have adopted a Code of Conduct.
The BDFL is the sole enforcer of the code, and may take actions as he sees necessary in such enforcement for the good of the community.
There is no recourse, other than the Right to Fork, in the even that the BDFL himself is found to have violated the Code of Conduct.
The BDFL however states that he intends to conduct himself in accordance with the Code of Conduct.