[FFmpeg-devel] [RFC] Application to SPI as associated project

[Clément Bœsch]

On Wed, May 09, 2012 at 12:10:13AM +0200, Stefano Sabatini wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> we are considering to apply to SPI - Software in the Public Interest -
> as associated project, see:
> http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/associated-project-howto/
> 
> This should allow FFmpeg to collect donations through the SPI
> framework (which already supports donations through checks and the
> Click&Pledge system), which could be spent for covering
> expenses/equipment/travelling refunds for developers (I'm currently not
> sure if other activities - e.g. active development - can be funded
> through SPI).
> 

http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/services/

The legal assistance looks also interesting to me, but I'm not sure how it
will applies in practice.

> The application is presented by the candidate project and discussed
> and voted by the SPI board and contributing members. Donations and
> approved refunds for associated projects are regularly published on a
> public mailing-list.
> 
> The partecipation to SPI will not exclude the possibility to
> partecipate to other umbrella organizations (e.g. VideoLAN) or having
> an independent dedicated organization. Since SPI has already the
> framework and the expertise for managing funds and providing related
> services, being an SPI associated project seems to me like a good
> idea.
> 

It looks like a good idea to me too. Do you know any other organization
providing similar services for comparison?

> In case we decide to apply, a project liaison - acting as intermediary
> between the project and SPI - should be selected.
> 
> I discussed this a bit with Michael, and we agreed that the liaison
> should be chosen by the FFmpeg contributors, and his mandate will have
> a defined duration, say one year or so. All expense refunds should be
> approved by the liaison and may be vetoed by the project maintainer,
> then processed through SPI.
> 
> In case we can't reach a consensus on the liaison choice, we may need
> to define who the contributors are, and which voting system to adopt
> for the liaison election.
> 
> While the SPI application is processed, I can act as nominal liaison,
> and in case the application is approved we will delay expense/refund
> approvals until we get a proper consensus on the liaison choice or
> election.
> 
> I would like to hear from other developers and contributors what they
> think, and if we reach an agreement we shall proceed with the
> application.

Did you ask a bit around the projects[1] if they are satisfied with this
solution?

How will this operate with FFmtech? Is it meant to replace it
partially/completely/it's-not-related?

[1]: http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/

-- 
Clément B.
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: application/pgp-signature
Size: 490 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://ffmpeg.org/pipermail/ffmpeg-devel/attachments/20120509/c12298ba/attachment.asc>