[aclug-L] A Modest Proposal for a Linux Cooperative

[Larry Bottorff <mrprenzl@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I would like to make a proposal to the greater ACLUG concerning the
formation of a loosely-formulated, "virtual" software company, a
cooperative. A tentative (if not joke) name might be "Linuxfolk.org."
Basically, to be a member of this virtual outfit, any ACLUG member (or
other pro-Linux person) would sign up to render services as an
independent contractor, giving details of 1) what he or she does (does
best) in the Linux gamut, 2) how much time he or she can devote (your
calendar/schedule/location), 3) how much lucre per hour/project needed,
etc. Hopefully, with enough members participating, a list of independent
contractors would emerge that could offer a broad set of needed
Linux-based services.

Each member could then fan out and look for customers. Once found, that
individual would be the "Point" and make the arrangements for others to
join in as needed, a la the way Lee Marvin put together the Dirty Dozen
(ha, ha). That means the customer deals with the Point, and the Point
assembles the team as he or she sees fit for that customer.

For example, I come across a place that wants to do X, Y, and Z with
Linux/commercial Linux/Open Source wares. I'm a specialist in Z, but not
in X and Y. I put out an email on Linuxfolk-L asking if anyone's
interested, probably quoting some hourly rates. We form a team and I go
back to the potential customer with the Linuxfolk package. I would be an
independent contractor tapping, but not officially representing,
Linuxfolk.

To me, this model fully leverages the open source community model, as
well as spirit, hopefully bridging the club atmosphere of ACLUG and the
greater open source movement with the real commercial world. Up until
now we have very spotty Linux employment among members--some super
advanced people (you know who you are) and the rest of us here and
there. If we do this ourselves, we'll effectively cut out the
middlemen-headhunters who will inevitably start headhunting Linux talent
in this area because Linux is for real. (I know. They're hunting me.) We
can be our own talent management far more in the spirit of the Church of
the Immaculate Open Source. Put one of us on the job and you've got
potentially dozens of others directly or indirectly involved.

On the reality side, the Point would have to carry the legal baggage for
the project, whatever that would be, such as signing stuff, arranging
support contracts, etc. And I don't think it would be good to let
non-Linux techies in at the start, i.e., people who want to just manage,
market, and do sales, etc. I'd prefer if every participant were a true
Linux bod of some type. Maybe if things got HUGE! we could have people
who just wore suits for a living--mayyybe (hopefully nevahh)....

This means if you're a Point and asking other Linuxfolk to join in,
you're the technical lead on the project, coordinating things
logistically and technically. I also want to avoid personality trouble
and egomania. By not having people who just "wheel and deal", we cut out
a lot of that kind of crap. For instance, if I set up the Linuxfolk.org
Web site (which I hope to do), I would not expect to take a cut--beyond,
say, asking people to help pay the site bills. Since this is my idea,
I'd probably do admin stuff to start with. But I'd not financially
obligate you to supporting this non-customer activity. The minute that
sort of thing starts, we have a quasi-talent agency, not a Linux
coop/talent bulletin board. Again, I want to avoid situations where
somebody starts playing broker, i.e., setting up customers, but not
contributing a key technical service. Democracy must rule. Big decisions
would be put to the vote, one person, one vote. However, the Point must
be in charge of a project. Later, if a Point did something others
disagreed with, the lash!

Again again, a totally flat organization is what I'm talking about. The
Point would be free to set fees--that would be between the Point and the
customer, and the Point might take home a bigger share than the less
directly involved, true. But obviously, trying to low-ball other
contributors would be counter-productive. Best would be to tell the
customer what your rate is, then as you involve more Linuxfolk, tell the
customer who they are or at least what they want in pay....For the Point
and core team, that is. Less direct, on-the-spot help would be arranged
possibly on a "my talent tomorrow for your talent today" barter system,
or just as a gratis, "Linuxfolk courtesy".

I think this could work. Especially because the Internet lets us all
work from wherever. With good install script talent, on-site people
would be minimal, as would be maintenance and support. Anybody
interested? Talk it up. Let me know if I'm missing something. Let me
know publically or privately (mrprenzl@xxxxxxxxxx / 316.345.3387) who
you are if interested. I'd like to organize something for ourselves
before the headhunters start chopping us up for their stew.

Larry Bottorff
Moundridge, KS
mrprenzl@xxxxxxxxxx
316.345.3387