Re: [Fsfe-uk] Re: Minutes of FSFE-UK List, 18th November 2001

[MJ Ray]

Loic:
> I'd suggest also looking at the statute of ANSOL (ansol.org)

Thanks for the pointer.

> Are 'industrial provident society', or 'private limited company'
> a kind of non profit organization ? Is the final decision to build
> a company that is for profit (in theory if not in this specific case) ?

I'm also quite rusty on company law, as there have been changes to this area
since I last looked at it in any detail.  There is a type of IPS which is
called a "society run for the benefit of the community" (bencom) which is
typically used by clubs and voluntary bodies.  There are still restrictions
as to what the company can do, but these are generally created by oneself
when forming it.  Key restrictions are that you cannot change the object of
the society and you must specify where assets go if the society is dissolved.

A "private limited company" (ltd) is the normal registration for all types
of company which are not traded on the public stock markets, both for-profit
and not-for-profit.  Many other UK organisations have taken this route,
which gives far greater freedom, but I am concerned by the ease of changing
the aim of the company and on dissolution, assets are returned to the
shareholders.

> It is interesting that you plan to release a newsletter. This
> is a lot of work but very useful.

There is *nothing* in the UK at present, at least that I can find.  There
was http://www.linuxuk.co.uk/ but it died for reasons too involved to
explain and replacement attempts have proved useless.  Does anyone know of
anything here already?

> You mean GLUGs ? I like the GNU day idea because it would nicely
> complement the purely technical activities of most GLUG with some
> philosophy and ethics.

This is one of the few places where I *don't* insert "GNU", as the LUGs here
are called LUGs, and referring to things by what they don't call themselves
is a quick way to irritate.  It is even accurate in some places, with people
only focusing using the kernel on embedded/real-time systems.  They would be
generally receptive to a GNU day, but I'll sound them out on Sunday.

> Could you provide pointers on ukcdr & Free Dmitry please ?

http://uk.sklyarov.org/

> > pro-actively create copy for magazines, etc., so that we have
> > materials ready to go when the opportunity to publish an
> > article/advert/whatever comes around.
> I do not understand this. Could someone explain please ?

It has been suggested that the association may be able to insert articles
into prominent UK magazines when space is available.  It is not yet
confirmed.

> [...] AFFS is also in a unique position in Europe since your native
> language is english and everybody is able to understand what you say. 

This is the second time I've heard such an assertion.  I think I should just
quietly remind you that such a restriction on our membership and/or officers
would definitely be illegal here!

> That's an advantage but that's also a burden since all other organizations
> will more or less rely on you to provide english linguistic expertise ;-)

I'm actually a pretty bad translator, but I know some good ones.  Sadly,
they don't have much time spare.  I'm always happy to proof-read when time
allows.
-- 
MJR