MetaFilter

Ask MeFi post: Impossible singer/songwriter locator challenge accepted?

Holy moly! This was a) not the outcome I was expecting b) SO EXCITING!
posted to Ask MetaFilter by jeszac at 4:42 PM on October 16, 2023

MetaTalk post: MeFi Business/Legal Update

Maybe we should brainstorm about potential roles for individuals or committees that will be needed either during the preliminary phase, on a continuing basis, or both. Here are some ideas, some of which have already been mentioned.

Staff
* Executive director (Might be part-time, might not be needed until somewhat down the road, such as when ready to make switch from LLC.)
* Mods
* Day-to-day administrator (Loup)
* Chief... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by NotLost at 5:28 AM on October 13, 2023

I have a week’s holiday coming up and would love to volunteer to pull together a list of volunteer profiles and some basic survey data to see what’s available as resources to get started. That is part of my day job setting up teams for collaboration, including remote. Please memail me if I can step up for this.
posted to MetaTalk by dorothyisunderwood at 4:14 AM on October 13, 2023

I am willing to help write bylaws.

I have been a member of the bylaws committee for two political groups, one of which I was also a co-founder of. I have also served as an officer of a national professional association. I think Metafilter resembles a membership association.
posted to MetaTalk by NotLost at 7:33 PM on October 12, 2023

FanFare post: Our Flag Means Death: The Innkeeper

It's been interesting to see how this show dances around the history - the partnership of Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach was a real thing, altho the romantic aspect of it is definitely conjecture. Zheng Yi Sao was also a well known pirate queen... altho she operated in the South China Sea (we can handwave that), and was born a full fifty years after Blackbeard died (little trickier, there). Still, excellent to see a broader perspective on the piratical eras than what is traditionally centered.... [more]
posted to FanFare by FatherDagon at 9:11 AM on October 7, 2023

MetaTalk post: MeFi Business/Legal Update

As a 20+ year member, I totally endorse this plan. It has seemed like the best outcome for quite some time and in reality the site has been a non-profit endeavor in fact though not in law.

I'm in Vermont and have experience with non-profit boards including starting a new one and the pitfalls that may entail. Holler if I can help in some way.
posted to MetaTalk by beagle at 11:40 AM on October 11, 2023

It’s not a conflict of interest for a founding ED to appoint their own board. This is a common way that newly founded NPOs get going. After they have drawn up bylaws, the bylaws will normally specify how future board members will be selected.
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 12:29 PM on October 12, 2023

rebent: Just because metafilter becomes a nonprofit doesn't mean it becomes a democracy.

THIS. Get a person in charge and empower them and trust them. The board is just a gentle hand on their shoulder.

I am on the board of two non-profits. One, a library, has a strong director who is a paid professional -- and who does an amaaazing job. They bring things before the board and we "advise and consent,... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by wenestvedt at 6:16 AM on October 12, 2023

FanFare post: The Great: Destiny

[writer's room at the start of the season]
HEAD WRITER: Okay, team. Now I'm going to say a word out loud, and you're going to say the first thing that pops into your head. Everyone ready? Go! The word is, "Russia".
WRITER 1: Cold! Furs!
HW: Good, good...
WRITER 2: Bears!
WRITER 3: Serfs! Badminton!
HW [squinting, but still writing]: Okay...
WRITER 1: Vodka! Forests!
WRITER 2: Roulette!
HW: Beautiful. Just perfect.
posted to FanFare by phooky at 3:04 PM on May 31, 2023

MetaTalk post: WTF did I just see?!

Noting that I have been reading the site for probably 15+ years, participating for like 14 years, had seen phunniemee's participation many times, and read their first comment in this thread as completely serious and not exaggerated at all. I read zero markers of sarcasm or play in the comment that would have caused me to think I was being trolled. I was 100% willing to believe that a longtime MeFite, annoyed by a perceived lack of moderator action, would develop and use this tactic.... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by brainwane at 6:51 AM on October 11, 2023

MetaTalk post: MeFi Business/Legal Update

Fantastic news.

I work as a strategy consultant, helping small teams figure out the pathway to success. Much of what I know comes from Ask Metafilter and from the perennially-recommended Managing to Change the World, which is about running an effective team in a nonprofit context.

An effective executive team understands and owns the process and context, and keeps energy focused on the chosen workplan by openly and frequently communicating the... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by rebent at 11:47 AM on October 10, 2023

MetaTalk post: Is it too early to ask about plans for the Mall?

There could even be a Mall label on peoples' signature(ish) lines, kind of like staff. So you'd read a comment by someone and think "oh, smart" and then notice that they have a store and want to check it out.
posted to MetaTalk by chesty_a_arthur at 2:33 PM on October 5, 2023

MetaTalk post: WTF did I just see?!

Well, exactly. This all feels a bit "do as i say not as i do", no? Like, where is the line? Some replies here show the implications of the tactic were rather offensive.

Eh, in my case, it was familiarity with the site and knowledge of the particular poster. Since it seemed unlike her, a quick check showed that there were not a huge number of anomalous contacts on her page, although even checking seemed like overkill. Someone with a much... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by GenjiandProust at 12:07 PM on October 7, 2023

MetaTalk post: MeFi Business/Legal Update

This seems exceedingly positive, and I'm glad this pathway is being explored. There are great suggestions/comments above about the need for an ED position, and the need for care in setting up the initial structure, but those are just tasks to be done, not existential challenges.
posted to MetaTalk by Dip Flash at 1:43 PM on October 7, 2023

I only drop by here very occasionally these days, but it's heartening to see jessamyn operating - as always - with grace and good intentions. It warms me cockles it does. Goodonya.
posted to MetaTalk by peacay at 2:09 AM on October 9, 2023

FanFare post: Our Flag Means Death: Red Flags

I dunno why it is, but the idea that there is a dedicated towel service on the Red Flag delights me to no end.
posted to FanFare by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 6:56 PM on October 6, 2023

FanFare post: Our Flag Means Death: Impossible Birds

Heads up, there was something extra after the credits.
posted to FanFare by Pronoiac at 11:52 AM on October 6, 2023

MetaTalk post: WTF did I just see?!

A link to Friedman should have been enough for the mods to sandblast that thread into oblivion.

I just want to say that this is what flagging or, uh, more creative approaches is for. I do not think it’s realistic or a good use of resources for mods themselves to be aware of every Bad Source in the world; that’s where the community can take responsibility for flagging.
posted to MetaTalk by warriorqueen at 11:25 AM on October 6, 2023

MetaTalk post: MeFi Business/Legal Update

daisyace: Is there an underwood reason that before, all the lawyers and experts consulted said it was impossible and now all the lawyers and experts consulted say it is possible? And a reason to have faith in the latter?

From an outside-looking-in non-lawyer perspective, I much more strongly believe the latter conclusion than the former, although of course as mentioned previously it would be the IRS making the ultimate determination, for a few... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by beryllium at 8:59 AM on October 6, 2023

Something we could do is create a “Non-US Advisory Board” structured a bit like the “Global BIPOC Advisory Board” and empower each to appoint a certain number of members to the Steering Committee/Executive Board/whatever it gets called. There would still be issues with representation, but there would be a clearer path to ensure a minimum of representation.
posted to MetaTalk by GenjiandProust at 11:33 AM on October 5, 2023

I’ve been struggling with how to express this, but here goes:

First, question for loup/Jessamyn: Do we know what our financial runway is currently? I saw the fundraising numbers but I didn’t see an analysis of where this places the site for reserves vs. running costs vs. ongoing/subscription donations and other revenue sources. (Apologies if I missed this.) for me that would seriously impact on next steps.

I think a non-profit is a great way to... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by warriorqueen at 9:10 AM on October 5, 2023

Would there be any advantage to forming the non-profit outside of the US?
posted to MetaTalk by signal at 4:34 AM on October 5, 2023

About 15 years ago I spent several years on the board of a 501(c)(3) (https://mkpusa.org). Prior to that I was the Executive Director of my local chapter of the same organization, which was it's own, independent 501(c)(3).

I want to endorse this with as many +1s as I am allowed:

In my experience, there is a strong tendency for such groups to want to create a structure in which the board exists for formal purposes, but actually everyone... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by Frayed Knot at 11:33 AM on October 4, 2023

first order of business as Metafilter Grand Poobah

As King of the n00bs, I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you you are just engaged in lighthearted joking. But we would caution you that pretending to this non-existing "Poobah" role does not amuse us at all.
posted to MetaTalk by Meatbomb at 2:22 AM on October 4, 2023

for the love of god cannot work on consensus, trust me, I fucking swear it.

If you’re assuming “consensus” means 100% agreement on everything by everyone, then no. But if you haven’t read the links in the comment I made above, do that first. I’m part of two organizations that use one or another form of consensus, and they work.

Also, on transparency: there are very few things that by law can’t be transparent, and most of... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 6:41 PM on October 3, 2023

I have no experience of US 501(c)(3) non-profits, but amongst other things I founded, and was on the board of on-and-off for a decade, a physical community space incorporated as a UK not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Prior to that, I was on the managing committee of another venue that was set up as an offshoot of a UK charity. Both were groups very keen on consensus decision making, and not keen on formal hierarchy, and I've been part of many other groups with those values.... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by automatronic at 5:56 PM on October 3, 2023

This is wonderful news!

If you get this figured out, my earlier offer still stands.
posted to MetaTalk by cheapskatebay at 5:45 PM on October 3, 2023

A board with ~5-7 volunteer members, some volunteer advisory subcommittees that are more open participation, and a paid executive director (even part time) sounds very workable and sensible to me. I agree that the board and ED will need to generally follow governance rules and practices, but I also know first hand that most small businesses and small nonprofits do not slavishly hew to every technical requirement. I.e., nobody really needs Roberts Rules of Order. It will be OK!
posted to MetaTalk by Mid at 5:02 PM on October 3, 2023

Those of us who've worked in nonprofits, cooperatives, and collectives know that good governance processes are essential. (For instance I cringed at the mention of full consensus, and at the idea that the directors will just handle paperwork and leave all decisions to the community as a whole. These aren't necessarily bad ideas, but there's a lot of nuance and detail that needs to be worked out to avoid hamstringing the community later on.) I beg and plead Metafilter to hire a consultant,... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by knucklebones at 2:15 PM on October 3, 2023

Thanks for the update, and for all that you do.

For Vermont: Chamber of Commerce guide nonprofit primer (Common Good), board member responsibilities (Vermont Attorney General), & taxes (Vermont.gov). Nonprofits and independent audits required by state law, at Council for Nonprofits; Vermont has an SOS reporting requirement (11 V.S.A. § 16.22).

NonprofitHub.org has general resources, including guides, courses (nonprofit accounting essentials),... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by Iris Gambol at 1:52 PM on October 3, 2023

I'm very glad to hear that none of the concerns raised previously turned out to be valid.

Ok but can we get This WHOLE GODDAMNED WEBSITE is a prohibited political campaign activity. bumper stickers or t-shirts?
posted to MetaTalk by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 11:08 AM on October 3, 2023

I'm very glad to hear that none of the concerns raised previously turned out to be valid.

It sounds like the IRS still gets to weigh in.
posted to MetaTalk by paper chromatographologist at 10:28 AM on October 3, 2023

this is cool and good
posted to MetaTalk by dismas at 10:26 AM on October 3, 2023

Wow! This is great news.

I'm very glad to hear that none of the concerns raised previously turned out to be valid.

So, just for the record: FUCK TRUMP. Vote Democrat.
posted to MetaTalk by bondcliff at 10:17 AM on October 3, 2023

I really appreciate this news, and I also want to share my perception that everything jessamyn touches on the site gets better, and the whole community benefits. I appreciate you.
posted to MetaTalk by Snarl Furillo at 10:17 AM on October 3, 2023

This is great news, thank you!

Perhaps it might be worthwhile putting a link to this post on the banner, for better visibility?
posted to MetaTalk by siskin at 9:57 AM on October 3, 2023

Fantastic! Excited for the future! Thank you for all the hard work on this.
posted to MetaTalk by tiny frying pan at 9:47 AM on October 3, 2023

Great news! Thank you for the update and clear explanation.
posted to MetaTalk by *s at 9:42 AM on October 3, 2023

I'm quite new to MetaFilter but I appreciate this as a pivotal moment for the community

an emphasis on community coordination and governance comes with its share of questions/challenges, but from what I can tell it's the natural progression of things.. we live or die based on what we're putting into this community
posted to MetaTalk by elkevelvet at 9:37 AM on October 3, 2023

That’s a great update, thank you. I’m sure you want them to speak for themselves but are there any members of the SC who have expressed interest and time in doing the work of/taking a leadership role in starting up a/the non-profit?
posted to MetaTalk by warriorqueen at 9:22 AM on October 3, 2023

Solid plan and nicely written up!
posted to MetaTalk by michaelh at 9:23 AM on October 3, 2023

I really appreciate your leadership, on this issue and in general. Thanks.
posted to MetaTalk by eirias at 9:22 AM on October 3, 2023

Thanks for your work on this, Jessamyn.
posted to MetaTalk by grouse at 9:17 AM on October 3, 2023

Thank you, Jessamyn. I know I’ve been vocally grumpy and skeptical on meta, but I really appreciate this update, both for the content (cool!) and for, well, having it at all.
posted to MetaTalk by Alterscape at 9:14 AM on October 3, 2023

As they say, better late than never. Glad to hear non-profit status wasn't such a crazy idea after all!
posted to MetaTalk by bitteschoen at 9:09 AM on October 3, 2023

Ah, I see that! That's actually less restrictive than I was presuming, so that works quite well. Thank you for the clarification!
posted to MetaTalk by sciatrix at 9:10 AM on October 3, 2023

This is great news! Thank you so much for everything you have done. A new structure is certainly not a cure-all but it would go a long way to clarifying responsibility and authority.
posted to MetaTalk by rpfields at 8:42 AM on October 3, 2023

Thank you so much for this hard work, Jessamyn.

For the political campaign aspect, I don't see any reason why Metafilter couldn't hold itself to the same standards as, say, the League of Women Voters. You've gone over the paperwork more recently than I have, Jessamyn; is that a reasonable comparison to make for Metafilter's level of political engagement?
posted to MetaTalk by sciatrix at 8:46 AM on October 3, 2023

Thanks for putting in all the hard work on this Jessamyn — and everyone else.
posted to MetaTalk by terrapin at 8:43 AM on October 3, 2023

MetaTalk post: MetaFilter: Nazi bar problem.

Look, the commenter in question clearly was not trying to spout pro-Nazi propaganda. He was doing a different highly-problematic thing, and getting geeky in the abstract about something that is not, in fact, an abstract situation. It's the thing where you overtly and clumsily demonstrate that you have no skin in the game and therefore can treat any situation like a hypothetical parlor-game thought puzzle, even if you're talking about a movement that, at some point, killed... [more]
posted to MetaTalk by Tom Hanks Cannot Be Trusted at 3:59 AM on October 3, 2023