Harry FP and Leadership

[Ali]

Cindy wrote:-

>>> The point of the FP House System was (1) it was kinda cute and 
fun and seemed to be a morale booster; (2) it was a prefixing system 
to allow groups working together on an FP to discuss their work here 
rather than off-list; (3) it allowed others to skip posts that 
didn't pertain to their own work if they chose; and (4) it refected 
a consensus decision of this group that we would do better to work 
as teams on a limited number of FPs that were considered a priority. 
<<<

Cindy, I do actually agree with you on most of those counts. But, it 
doesn't mean that *I* have to like the use of the House system or 
that for *me* it doesn't conjure up ideas of competition. I have 
never suggested that we should stop it. I also think that my 
feelings about this are probably in a minority, which is fine. But, 
if we are discussing the effectiveness of the system that we 
currently have, then I don't think it was inappropriate to express 
my feelings.

On the subject of leadership, I am very aware and grateful to you 
for the help that you gave me when I joined FAQ. I didn't graciously 
accept to redo the Quidditch FAQ, I felt honoured (and bemused as 
Quidditch wasn't one of my pet subjects). Part of my guilt at not 
finishing it is towards you, and yes, I do feel guilty. 

But, for me the group has changed substantially in the time that I 
have been involved in it. During the last expansion of the group, 
you said that we were without a leader, I can't remember your exact 
expression, but it was something to do with anarchy. I liked the 
philosophy behind that idea.

My understanding of group cultures has led me to think that a leader 
here would have a very up hill task. There have been conflicts both 
here and elsewhere which have affected a number of FAQers. In 
wanting to move on and find out what works best for us now, I'm not 
at all trying to undermine the great work that you have done here. 
But, neither am I trying to forget that things have changed.

For me, rather than work with a leader, the small project-based 
teams within the larger FAQ still has merits. I don't think that 
anyone would have any objections to being asked for timesales and to 
the extent that they can commit to projects here. In terms of 
project leaders, I would submit that Abigail has become the de facto 
facilitator for the Harry FP, which I think is great.

Ali