[UK-TUG] Why individually expressed distribution; uk-tex-news and uk-tex-users mail lists

[Jonathan Fine]

Hi

Summary: I describe the benefits of individually expressed distribution. I
then invite you to join UK-focussed TeX news and discussion lists/

I'm writing to explain why I wish our surplus assets to be distributed in
proportion to the individually expressed wishes of members. But first I
thank Paul Stanley for his legal and practical advice, and David Saunders
for submitting an SGM motion on the distribution of funds (equal division
Dante and TUG).

Paul wrote that he wished the SGM to pass a distribution of funds motion
that is "as simple as possible to apply". I fully recognise this as a valid
and important force, but fear that it may substantially fail to make the
best of a complex situation.

Briefly, my view is that by the time of the SGM it's possible to establish
a UK-focussed society of friends of TeX, who would be worthy recipients of
our funds. Even if at the SGM only a quarter of our members wish to support
such a society, I would hope the majority would be happy that a quarter of
our funds go to a UK-based successor organisation, rather than it all going
abroad.

Funding a UK-focussed society is one benefit of individually expressed
wishes of members. Perhaps more importantly, it will change the debate from
a collective dissolve-or-continue decision to an individual
where-to-send-the-funds decision. This will allow for a more orderly and
harmonious parting of the ways. (Submission of motions closes next week. At
the 2019 AGM about a third voted for dissolution, and two-thirds against.)

I return to Paul's wish, that distribution of funds should be "as simple as
possible to apply". I hope I've convinced you that in the present situation
moving from a collective to individual distribution decisions will give
benefits that are well worth the cost.

Looking beyond the SGM, I've set up a UK-focussed TeX news and discussion
mailing lists. Some of you are already subscribed, via word of mouth. These
lists are respectively:
https://groups.google.com/g/uk-tex-news
https://groups.google.com/g/uk-tex-users

The first will give you a newsletter every month, and nothing else. The
second is similar to this list, but open to all and hosted on Google
(giving web-only interface if you wish, and also low maintenance).

Here's a post I made today (about living without the annual TeX Live DVD)
which shows how the forum works:
https://groups.google.com/g/uk-tex-users/c/7STWkYaheyo

You can subscribe and unsubscribe directly via google. Or send me an email
saying YES NO to get just the news. And say YES YES to get news and user
discussion.

Finally, I once again thank David and Paul for calming the discussion and
helping us find a way forward. I hope my contributions will turn out to be
similarly helpful.

Happy TeXing

Jonathan
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