Based on the suggestions of the msforums.org thread. I have given the RFC proposal a lot of thought and would like to propose the following:

Requirement:

To create a Request for Comment (RFC) process so that the entire membership can become more active in influencing the direction of the forums.

Proposal:

There are a number of components:

RFC proposals

  1. Any member can request a change to the forums in the form of an RFC thread.
  2. The RFC must have a poll.
  3. The poll should be in the form of a question and the only two options should be:
    • Yes - This is a major point, the entire forum should be informed of a formal vote
    • No - This is a minor point. A formal vote is unnecessary. The administrator's decision is sufficient.
  4. Voting will be open for only 2 weeks.
  5. The RFC poll question must be submitted to the administrator in the form of a Private Message. This is so that the wording can be refined prior to release.
  6. The administrator will post the RFCs, to ensure he/she is aware of the motion and that the two week limit is enforced.
  7. Formal RFC voting will be initiated when there is a majority "yes" vote and over 50 members (a quorum) have voted. This will help to ensure that the RFCs have a following by a broad based portion of the membership.
  8. RFCs proposed by the administrator that fail to meet the quorum numbers will be implemented by default. This is will be assumed to be an indication of the RFC being a minor point.
  9. RFCs proposed by members that fail to meet the quorum numbers will result in the status quo being maintained. In other words, a minor point.
  10. Unsuccessful RFC submissions can be resubmitted only after a 6 month hiatus.


Formal RFC Voting

  1. Formal voting on RFCs will take place monthly if qualifying RFCs exist.
  2. All members will be eligible to vote
  3. The formal RFC will be posted on the forums for voting on a monthly basis.
  4. Voting will be open for 2 weeks.


Administrator's Role

The administrator has RFC veto powers on implementing all recommendations related to:

  1. Breaching the forum guidelines;
  2. Features that would be detrimental to the stability of the forum's software applications;
  3. The forum's marketing promotions;
  4. Changes that would jeopardize the vitality of the forums.



Question:

There is one question I was wondering about:

  1. Should emails be sent to alert the membership to the voting?


This should be a good starting point for discussion.