Plone Foundation Board Minutes July 25, 2024

Meeting started at 20:01 UTC

Erico Andrei to present new Sponsorship Program proposal. Guido asked for presentation to be recorded. Erico to start, then proceeed as usual.

Sponsorship/Donations - 2024 Proposal (Erico)

Document shared with the Board via email.

Introduction

The idea for rethinking the Sponsorhip Program is to find ways to increase revenue from sponsorship/donations. In addition, we also want to recognize Plone companies that are smaller but still contributing. And also, we want to be mindful to recognize organizations that because of bylaws/policies aren't allowed to sponsor like NGO/Universities. In general, we want to promote that we are a large community that is directly supported-by and driven-by community.

Anaylsis

First thing we looked at was the importance of levels and the naming of levels. Secondly, we want to increase recogintion, so all supporting organizations can get a logo on the site.

Current Scenario

  • Premium + Standard (where both get small/medium/large levels) isn't working. Too many options. Too confusing.
  • Also has unnecessary requirements like "Number of employees" is too restrictive, for example. And we are not considering differences in local currencies.
  • We also have issues admin-ing unfullfilled invoices. Invoices are auto-generated but when left unfulfilled, those companies are not being removed from the list.

New Plans

  • 1 price per level = Premium + Standard + Basic
    • Page on plone.org (logo, links, success stories, Foundation members, etc)
    • Discount and listing for PloneConf Sponsorship
  • Other levels = Patronage (free, community recognition) + Listing (free, solution providers)

Community Recognition

We would like to recognize organizations that are directly supporting Plone through community activity. Rather than anoiting heroes through a committee decision, we considered a defined criteria, like a game-ified points system. By contributing directly, organizations can upgrade their sponsorship level. Specifically intended to help universities/ngo/economic-challenged countries that have other sponsorship rules.

Example: Host a strategic sprint = 12 points, Present a talk = 1 point... (see doc for more details)

Questions? Forseen Issues?

Difficult to asses value, divide points, etc. Someone will always find a way to rig the system. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. More participation of any kind is a good thing.

Outstanding Tasks

Honor current deals, migrate current sponsors, announce new plans, plone.org work neeeded

Announcement

Sponsorship drive start October 1, news item on plone.org, social post.

General Thoughts

More worthwhile to host a sprint, than give money. But also need money. PSF example. Gov grants?

Board Follow-Up

Good to hear the ideas. Will follow-up on topic. This proposal needs more discussion.

Plone Conference Report (Erico)

Sponsorship: Happy to be receiving PSF funding.

Lodging: Secured 15 double rooms. Braz Py Association. 15 other rooms, 4 double, rest are single rooms giant beds. Sell hotel rooms via conf/org/travel agency. Flying within Brazil, 7% discount.

Inclusion: India travel is expensive, but would like to see as many as possible. So we can demonstrate to PSF our diversity.

Attendance

Present: Martin Peeters, Brian Davis, Mikel Larreategi, and Paul Roeland
Excused: Kim Paulissen, Eric Brehault, Guido Stevens

Approval of the minutes of July 11th

Paul motions to approve the minutes. Martin seconds. All in favor. Minutes are approved.

Action items

  • Contact Erico - done
  • Framework team - no news
  • Contact Zope Funds people - no news

Incoming correspondence

  • Steve email, Paul contacted him.

New Business

  • See sponsorship program proposal above

Continued Business

  • GSOC - no new news, all teams progressing, waiting for Eric Brehault.
  • Ploneconf - see above from Erico
  • Membership - Paul and Kim to meet.
  • Zope funds - Mikel to follow up w/ esteele.

Review ongoing

  • community.plone - need spam account moderation (Paul)
  • Plone newsletter went out (Brian)
  • Rikupekka and Brian met with Victor regarding Headless CMS (Brian)

Adjournment

Paul motions to adjourn. Brian seconds. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 21:24 UTC.