The document discusses governance models for open source software communities. It notes that there is no single model that fits all situations, as models need to account for the community's organizational form, user base diversity, position in the software stack, and stage in the software lifecycle. The document recommends incubation for nascent software communities to have structured conversations around appropriate governance with community mentors, and provides a link to a tool to help communities determine their governance model.

1. Apereo Foundation
Governance and Incubation

2. No single model
for all communities, all positions in software stack,
at all points in lifecycle

3. Contextual Talking
Points
Based on observation - and there are exceptions
to every generality

4. “Open Source” “Community Source”
Four Views of Context (1)
Organisational Form
Collegial
Meritocratic
Consortial
Central Direction

5. “Open Source” “Community Source”
Four Views of Context (2)
User Base
Homogenous Diverse
Think CAS Think Learning Management

6. “Open Source” “Community Source”
Four Views of Context (3)
Position in Software Stack
Infrastructure User facing
Think CAS Think Learning Management

7. “Open Source” “Community Source”
Four Views of Context (4)
Position in Software Lifecycle
Maturity Startup
Far from universal, but a significant number of software
communities - including uPortal and Sakai, have headed in this direction

8. Incubation
Engages nascent software community in conversation
around appropriate governance models that
balances those perspectives.
Structured, documented process.
Community mentors to assist.
!
One useful tool -
http://fullmeasure.co.uk/REALISE/