[pydotorg-www] PSF- Board Meeting Minutes -Approved- December 2011 - Please Post Online
Pat Campbell
patcam at python.org
Fri Jan 20 23:16:20 CET 2012
Hello Pydotorg:
Could you please post the following "PSF board meeting minutes" online,
http://www.python.org/psf/records/board/minutes/ at the usual web
locations:
please see the attachment for the approved board meeting minutes for
December 2011.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Pat
--
Pat Campbell
PSF Administrator/Secretary
patcam at python.org
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Title: 2011-12-19 PSF Board Meeting Minutes
Encoding: utf-8
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| The Python Software Foundation
| Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors
|
| December 19, 2011
|
|
A regular meeting of the Python Software Foundation ("PSF") Board of
Directors was held over Internet Relay Chat beginning at 16:00 UTC, 19
December 2011. Steve Holden presided at the meeting. Pat Campbell
prepared the minutes.
All votes are reported in the form "*Y-N-A*" (*in favor â?? opposed â??
abstentions*; e.g. "5-1-2" means "5 in favor, 1 opposed, and 2
abstentions").
.. sectnum::
.. contents::
Attendance
==========
The following members of the Board of Directors (9 of ll) were present at
the meeting: Raymond Hettinger, Steve Holden, Marc-Andre Lemburg [arrived
at 12:14], Martin von Löwis, David Mertz [arrived at 1:08], Jesse Noller,
Tim Peters, Jeff Rush, and Gloria Willadsen. Also in attendance were Kurt
Kaiser (Treasurer) and Pat Campbell (Secretary/Administrator).
Minutes of Past Meetings
========================
The 21 November 2011 Board meeting minutes were voted on and approved.
**RESOLVED**, the minutes at http://mail.python.org/mailman/private/psf-board
/2011-November/015898.html be accepted as a true and accurate record
Approved, 6-0-1.
Votes Taken Between Meetings
=============================
There were no votes taken between meetings.
Treasurer Report
================
The monthly Treasurer's Report was provided to Board members by K.
Kaiser prior to the Board meeting and produced from Quickbooks Online.
Here is an exerpt from the treasurer's report on a few of the activities
the treasurer has been focused on:
"YTD income was down by 6K in November.
AR is down by 58K due to PyCon 2012 Sponsor invoicing/collection
activity, offset by invoicing our PSF Sponsors.
Donations for the month were $1769."
Kurt concluded his report with a list of financial business items he will
be focused on, he said:
"My focus is on the Associate Member program and AR reduction. I'm also
looking into fiscal sponsorship issues and working with Python Boston.
Restricted donations will have to be recognized in the year received
in accordance with non-profit GAAP."
Board Meeting Discussion:
S. Holden: "I see our net profit for the year is moving towards $200,000."
K. Kaiser: "Well, not that high, and won't go higher."
S. Holden: "It is still a very creditable performance, though. It's nice
to see past losses being erased, and I am hoping that next year's PyCon will
bring a boost to that revenue stream."
K. Kaiser: "Yes, thanks to Van [Lindberg] and Jesse [Noller]."
Progress Reports
================
The following board reports were submitted to the board mailing list
one week prior to this month's meeting. Please see a summary of each
board report listed below and a possible board discussion at the end
of the report(s):
Communication Status
--------------------
D. Hellmann, Communication Officer, reported on continued activities from
last month. He said:
1. Send announcement email about the blog to various mailing lists
(c.l.py, c.l.py.announce, etc.).
*No progress.*
Doug also reported on the new activities for the month. The list of activities
included the following:
1. PyCon China post by Brian Curtin
http://pyfound.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-annual-pycon-china-hit-in.html
2. Grants for Porting to Python 3 post by Mike Driscoll
http://pyfound.blogspot.com/2011/12/psf-proffers-payment-to-port-to-python.html
He reported the following information on the planned activities for next month:
Nothing specific.
As far as the ongoing projects for the month are concerned, he reported:
1. Boston Python Workshop Grant post by Jessica McKellar
http://pyfound.blogspot.com/2011/11/boston-python-workshop-psf-grant.html
2. Brian Curtin is working on a post about the video equipment
purchased by the PSF and how it has been used to record conference
talks and other events.
3. Recruiting other people to help write for the blog.
A few volunteers have expressed interest, but things are getting
off to a slow start. I hope to have some more interesting topics
to give them after the August Board meeting.
4. Mike Driscoll is working on a retrospective post summarizing all of
the funding we have provided for conferences over the last year. We
will wait to publish until closer to the end of 2011.
5. We have initiated a transition plan so Brian Curtin can take over
as Communications Director around the time of the next Board
elections after PyCon 2012.
For tabled activities, D. Hellmann said:
1. PyCon video equipment loan/rental program post
There was some discussion of offering the PyCon video equipment to
PUGs for their meetings, but the mechanism to do it isn't in place,
yet.
Honorary Associate Membership WebPages/Links
--------------------------------------------
P. Campbell, Honorary Associate Membership (HAM) WebPages Start-up
Project, reported on the current issues or blockages the project may
be faced with by saying:
"We have been in the technical phase of the Honorary Associate
Membership (HAM) Project for some time now. However, we are not too
far away from recruiting our first PSF Honorary Associate member.
Many technical hurdles have been jumped in order to setup the HAM program
and we are now beginning to see some movement toward getting the HAM website
page prepared for membership recruitment and subscriptions."
As far as the continued activities from last month are concerned, she reported:
"Since Kurt Kaiser, our treasurer, has been able to devote more time to the
HAM project implementation and setup, we should be able to set the launch date
soon. However, Kurt is requesting help toward getting the website content
together.
Please see the message from Kurt Kaiser?s December 2011 treasurer?s report
regarding the current status of the technical phase of the HAM program
implementation and maintenance:
The text on HAM signup pages is preliminary and needs improvement.
I'm looking for help here!
Continuing work on a front page with Associate Member sign-up
information. Decide how to present the HAM Membership to the world,
probably via a python.org link.
Marketing Material
------------------
M.A.Lemburg, Marketing Material Project Manager, provided a summary
of his work. He said:
The project is lead by Marc-André Lemburg who is in contact with
the people behind the Plone brochure created by the German Zope
User Group (DZUG): Jan Ulrich Hasecke and Armin Stroß-Radschinski.
We started working on the concept a few weeks after World Plone Day
in April 2010 and had several meetings and conference calls to take
the idea forward.
For more details, please see the brochure support site at:
http://brochure.getpython.info/learn-more
Marc-André also reported on the progress of this project when he said:
In the last month, we ran another round of emails by our leads
which resulted in finally getting content from some of them.
Interestingly, none of the press offices responded to our
requests - I guess the direct approach is still the best to
enter larger companies.
Unfortunately, we did not manage to get content for some
of the high profile leads we had - both legal departments
and management took too long to come to a conclusion whether
to submit a story or not. We will follow up with them for
a possible second edition of the brochure.
Overall, the content collection took about 4 months longer
than expected. As a result, we are not going to be able to
meet our set deadline of shipping the first edition of the
brochure in time for PyCon US 2012 without putting the
financials, success and quality of content at risk.
Instead of shipping the final brochure, we're planing on
sending a teaser or flyer for inclusion in the PyCon US
conference bag. We hope to ramp up the number of subscription
sponsors that way (*).
As of now, we are working on compressing and finalizing the
brochure text, getting texts translated, proof read and
formatted for the brochure.
Armin, our designer and producer, is working on an example
double page based on the existing drafts to use in the
sponsor acquisition phase, which is due to start as soon
as the credit card payment system is set up.
The latter was delayed due to having to go through three levels
of providers/contracts, each with its own set of quirks
and problems. Armin expects to have this done early in
January.
These are the available sponsorship plans we have available:
http://brochure.getpython.info/sponsorship
and here's the media data for the brochure:
http://brochure.getpython.info/mediadata
Esp. the reference entry sponsorships should be interesting for
smaller Python companies:
http://brochure.getpython.info/mediadata/reference-entry-guidelines
(*) Subscription sponsors are sponsors that order boxes of brochures
for their own use or to donate to interested parties such as
universities, schools, administration, etc. These boxes are
produced in addition to the original 10,000 copy edition, we
will be printing - due to the way printing works, adding more
copies to a single run is comparatively cheap, which allows
us to keep the per brochure price low.
M.A Lemberg reported on the current issues the project is faced with.
He said:
Even though the deadline for submission of stories for
the first edition has already passed, we are still accepting
stories. These will then be considered for a possible second
edition and also be published on the web site.
If you know of interesting projects or companies using Python
to great things, please contact us and consider signing up as
contact scout:
http://brochure.getpython.info/signup/contact-scout-signup
and, if you're interested in the project, please consider signing
up to our newsletter:
http://brochure.getpython.info/
Thanks !
As far as future plans are concerned, he reported:
If the project goes well, we'll follow up with a Python flyer,
translated versions of the brochure and also consider creating
marketing material more targeted at specific user groups or
application fields.
In the long run, we'd also like to take the idea of producing
marketing material beyond printed material and develop booth
setups, giveaways, CDs, etc. to support conference organizers and
local user groups wishing to promote Python at their events.
Moving PyPI to Amazon CloudFront
--------------------------------
The project leader, M.A. Lemburg, Moving PyPI to Amazon CloudFront,
reported on progress for the month:
"The project is currently on hold, since the team members don't have
time to put into this."
In terms of having any issues surrounding his project, M. A.
Lemburg reported no issues except one: he said, he just does not have
enough time to devote to his Moving PyPI to Amazon CloudFront project.
M. A. Lemburg also reported on future plans for the project:
"Check to see whether a trigger based approach to S3 syncing
wouldn't be easier to implement right from the start."
PyCon Chair
-----------
J. Noller, PyCon Chair, provided us with information on when and where
the next two PyCon US conferences will be held, in addition to the web
location of the official PyCon 2012. Please see below:
PyCon 2012: March 7th ? 15th, Santa Clara, CA
PyCon 2013: March 11th ? 21st, Santa Clara, CA
Official Site: http://us.pycon.org/2012
He also provided "notes" for this month. He said:
We are officially capping registration at 1500 attendees. The team feels that
this is beneficial to the conference as a whole, and allows us to maintain the
feel PyCon has grown into. We also feel this will encourage other regional
conferences to grow in turn.
I am working on a draft document to present to the board of directors that
clarifies PyCon's position as a key fundraising entity for the Foundation. As
the planning and execution of PyCon 2012 has continued, this has become more
and more true. More later; some thoughts here:
http://jessenoller.com/2011/09/23/pycon-2012-sponsorship-making-the-case-for-sponsorship/
For the month of October, Jesse reported on "Issues and blockages." He said:
1. We are still waiting on AV/Recording vendor responses to our request for
quotes. This is a concern - I'd like to lock these contracts down quickly, but
can not make the bidding parties move more quickly. I have seen partial initial
AV bids, but nothing concrete.
As far as the continued activities from last month, he reported:
1. Sponsor signup is slowing down - this is no longer a priority issue.
Invoicing continues thanks to Kurt's work. We have exceeded our initial
sponsorship goals by 200%
2. Financial updates will be sent to the private board list. We now have 77 sponsors.
3. Registration for the conference and tutorials has officially launched - see:
http://pycon.blogspot.com/2011/12/registration-for-pycon-2012-opened.html
4. Idan Gazit has been tapped to do the artwork for the Program Guide and
T-Shirts.
5. Negotiations with Elegant Stitches are ongoing.
6. The Tutorial committee has completed it's work, and the full schedule has
been announced. We have an amazing line up of tutorials thanks to the hard work
of the team:
http://pycon.blogspot.com/2011/12/announcing-pycon-2012-tutorials.html
7. The program committee has wrapped up the talk selection process. The final
talk selection and schedule are under way. Looking to announce this ASAP.
8. We have announced a partnership with PyLadies for PyCon 2012. This means I
have increased the financial aid budget for this effort specifically:
http://pyladies.com/blog/call-for-applications-and-sponsors-for-pyladies-pycon-us-2012/
9. Financial aid is up and running as part of registration - due to the
increased sponsorship levels, we will be performing a lot more FA/Outreach:
https://us.pycon.org/2012/assistance/
Jesse also listed the new activities for the month. Please see below:
1. Get solid quotes on t-shirt costs. [need to follow up]
2. Signed freeman contract.
The last two PyCon US items reported on by Jesse were the activities "planned for
next month" where he listed five (5) items and included a list of the "current Heads/Staff
for PyCon 2012."
[see above]
1. Finalize the main track talk selection, send out acceptance notices.
3. Begin organizing the on-site and other volunteer staff.
4. Get Startup row announced and launched (call for applications)
7. Wrap up plenary talk selection.
8. Outreach to all sponsors for required marketing materials.
Current Heads/Staff for PyCon 2012
-----------------------------------------------------
Chair: Jesse Noller
Co-Chair: Yannick Gingras
Accountant/Sponsors: Van Lindberg
Event Coordinator: Ewa Jodlowska/CTE
Public Relations Lead: Brian Curtin
Tech Lead: Doug Napoleone
Tech Co-Lead: Noah Kantrowtiz
Volunteer Lead: TBD
Program Committee Chair: Jacob Kaplan-Moss
Program Committee Co-Chair: Tim Lesher
Tutorials Chair: Stuart Williams
Tutorials Co-Chair: TBD
Posters Chair: Vern Ceder
Posters Co-Chair: Zac Miller
Financial Aide Chair: Peter Kropf
Financial Aide Co-Chair: Gloria W.
However, under "tabled activities," he provided the following:
None
Board Meeting Discussion:
J. Rush: "Do we have AV [audio/video] bids yet?"
J. Noller: "As it said in my report - No - although as of the end of last
week we are zeroing in on the bids."
Sprint Committee
----------------
J. Noller, Sprint Committee Chair, provided a summary of activities for
this month, he reported:
No new sprint activity this month outside of catching up on the
backlog of reimbursements.
We were notified that our poster proposal to the PyCon US "poster
session" was accepted.
As far as the continued activities from last month, he reported:
None
On his report of the new activities for the month, J. Noller said:
Submitted reimbursement details for the Plone Conference sprints to
Kurt and are awaiting fulfillment. The repayment details are slightly
different than we normally receive, but they seem workable.
Trademarks Committee (TMC)
--------------------------
D. Mertz, Trademarks Committee Chair, reported on issues & blockages for
the month. He said:
- Probably moot by now, but never a formal answer from PSF counsel several
times about whether assignment of derived logos to the PSF might allow us
to grant broader permission (for what would then, hypothetically) be PSF
trademarks.
As far as reporting on new activities, however, he provided the following
list of items:
- Mid December: Esri Press is currently developing a manuscript, Python
Scripting for ArcGIS. They asked permission for a book cover design that
I, as chair, initially thought was "inspired but not derived" from out logo.
However, the opinion of other members was that it was a derived logo; I
responded to Brian Harris <bharris at esri.com> with a request that they use
an alternate cover design not suggesting logo (which he indicated they had
created; though we have not seen it).
- Mid December: Jack Preston <jackprestonuk at gmail.com> requested use of logo
and Python code sample as design on coffee mugs for same at Zazzle.co.uk. We
authorized unmodified logo use but requested he consider donation part of
proceeds to PSF.
- Late November: Approved Perry Leijten <perryleijten at gmail.com> to use "3D"
version of logo to illustrate personal website illustrating Python in Maya.
- Early December: Devi thirupathi <tdevi5 at gmail.com> requested use of Python
logo and name for an academic conference on Python. We clarified that his use
was nominative.
- Late November: Continued clarification with Adam Mechtley
<adam.mechtley at gmail.com> on his revised cover design for Maya Python book
and website. Modified versions maintain shape suitably.
- Late October: "Dr. Markus Wirtz" <mw at opensourcepress.de> requested use of
logo on book _PyQt and PySide_ and we clarified that the proposed use was fine.
The logo used some coloration change, but the shape is maintained.
- Late October: Clarified for Christophe BAL <projetmbc at gmail.com> that the
logo in isolation, apart from the word mark, was covered in our nominative
use policy.
- Mid October: Clarified for Éric Araujo <merwok at netwok.org> that use of
unmodified logo in incorporation into an "avatar" logo is covered in
nominative use.
- Early October: Clarified for John Anderson <sontek at gmail.com> of Cafe Press
that unmodified use of logo in clothing items is covered in nominative use.
- Early October: Clarified for Kami Lott <kami at github.com> on unmodified use
of logo in clothing being covered in nominative use.
- Early October: Clarified for Aidan Hartman <aidan at datapro.net> that he was
permitted to use "Python Powered" logo on personal website.
- Late September: Authorized Bruno Rocha <rochacbruno at gmail.com>
of www.cursodepython.com.br to use unmodified logo in clothing items.
He also reported on "ongoing projects." He said:
- Need to write to http://www.pylatte.org/ to express concern what looks
like an improper modified version of the logo.
- Never really resolved preference of submitted logos for Python sponsor
levels, should really finally decide this.
Board Meeting Discussion:
S. Holden: "We are getting more tradesmark inquiries nowadays, and they are
being dealt with with reasonable despatch, I think. I was worried though
whether we can have better tracking for tradesmark requests."
M.v Löwis: "i.e. somehow make sure that they all get responded to. Pat [Campbell,
Administrator], is that something that you could take?"
S. Holden: "Such as a tracking system? We could do that if David [Mertz, TMC
Chair] will accept it into his workflow, I suppose."
P. Campbell: "It sounds good to me."
The above TMC discussion was deferred to email.
2011 - Q4 Community Service Award Nominations
=============================================
The board discussed and then selected Mike Müller and Armin Rigo
as the recipients of the 2011-4th Quarter PSF Community Service Award.
**RESOLVED**, that Mike Müller and Armin Rigo be given Python
Community Service Awards for 2011-4th Quarter.
Approved, 8-0-0.
2012 Members Meeting & Election
================================
Planning is underway for the 2012 Members meeting that will take place at
PyCon 2012 in Santa Clara, California and also the 2012 members election
which will take place online two weeks following the members meeting.
This discussion was primarily guided by the PSF secretary and was deferred
to email.
Sponsor Membership Application from Epom
=========================================
Due to an incomplete application package from Epom, the board
decided to table this agenda item and hold-off voting until the
2012 January board meeting. This decision was made in order to
give Epom enough time to get the remainder of their membership
application paperwork into the board for a timely board review
of the company.
Archival Storage for PyCon US Videos
=====================================
The board discussed PyCon US need of funding for storage of their
video archives. However, due to a lack of information about the type
of storage needed for the project and the cost, this agenda item was
tabled. Board members will resume this discussion and vote at a later
date when more information is available.
Other Business
===============
Message of Seasonal Cheer!
--------------------------
Towards the end of the meeting the chairman (S. Holden) wished everyone
a "Happy Christmas and whatever other festivals you celebrate."
Adjournment
===========
S. Holden adjourned the meeting at 17:10 UTC.
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