OpenSolaris 2007 OGB Election Statement

"Why should I elect you for a position on the OGB?" you might ask. In short, I believe I should be elected because I feel I can best represent the interests of independent OpenSolaris developers. The long answer is a bit more involved.

I have participated in the contribution process for the OpenSolaris project, so I am personally aware of the long process involved in becoming registered, researching, testing, and getting contributions integrated. I also feel that my perspective of the OpenSolaris community is possibly less "biased" (for good or bad) since I have no affiliations (past or present) with an entity that has commercial interests in Solaris or OpenSolaris.

In addition, since I have only been part of the Solaris/OpenSolaris communities since 2005, I feel that I am less likely to look at certain aspects of the community with "rose-coloured glasses" since I am not intimately familiar with much of the possible history surrounding them.

Finally, Like Stephen Lau, and many others (including the current and past members of the current OGB), I believe that the OGB should be a group that primarily acts in a support role to serve the OpenSolaris community. My goals, if elected, are to do everything possible to:

• Lower the entry barrier for new members to contribute to the community (regardless of the type of contribution, it does not have to be "code") where possible
  
• Streamline the RTI process
• Ensure that there is open communication with the community
• Encourage growth of the OpenSolaris community
• Help unify our community through strategic consolidations of projects and efficient allocation of community resources
• Ensure that our community does not become fragmented
• Streamline the processes involved in being recognised as a contributor or as a nominee for elections
  
• Ensure that the OGB is involved in the day-to-day operations of the community as little as possible
• Help the community achieve its goals (especially those listed on the roadmap)

It should be noted that the current and past CAB/OGB has, in my opinion, worked towards these goals with an admirable fervour. The new OGB can only hope to continue and improve upon the work that was started by them as time passes.