Vote for the 42nd Interim Board Member
July 14, 2008 by Chris Heuer
Wow! The response to our mistake has been overwhelming. While we have much work to do, our first task is to figure out how to best harness this outpouring of energy. We have enough work to do and projects that need help to get everyone involved who wants to be involved - particularly when it comes to educational initiatives and organizing collaborative projects.
Due to the size of the response, (38 34 potential candidates to choose from) we are altering the previously stated procedures slightly, but the integrity of the process I outlined the other day is intact, and the rules we laid out there are incorporated herein by reference (yay, a little legalese!). Several people emailed me directly to throw their hat in the ring, but did not submit their names to the comments of the blog post as I requested and are therefore not on the list - sorry folks, gotta follow the rules intentions. We will be following up with everyone on this list shortly.
Procedure Notes:
We will be holding this vote open until Thursday July 17, 2008 at 11am PST - essentially 72 hours. At that time, the top 3 will be put to a runoff vote that will stay open from Thursday afternoon until Monday July 21 at noon PST.
The Candidates:
The group is diverse, smart and very active in the broader community. It includes those that are well known and relatively unknown. There are international candidates, people we know well and people we have just met. I won’t say anything here about any of them individually, but I will say that we are quite pleased and grateful that so many people are willing to help us build Social Media Club into the pre-eminent force for good in the area of social media.
So without further ado, please vote for the person you think is most qualified to contribute and make a meaningful difference in our efforts.
Update: Ann Handley, Gavin Heaton, Gennefer Snowfield and Siobhan O’Neil have withdrawn from the election process (they are not suprisingly going to be spending more time with their family 
just kidding, each has their own reasons and we are going to find other ways to work together in the near future for our common community goals
Wow. That IS a stellar list!!
Hard to choose from - but the good part of that is knowing that whomever is seated will be well qualified!
Retweeting the vote post.
What? No Amanda Chapel?
[...] Recently, I’ve put my hat in the ring as a candiate for the final spot on the Social Media Club’s board of directors. [...]
Chris, this is bizarre. And, no, I’m not upset that I’m not on the list. Any Club that would have me as a member isn’t worth joining. Seriously, dude, this seems a bit desperate and unorganized. You need people to DO some real work, not a glamor show/vanity parade or American Idol voting for social media smarts. Groan, just get to work already!
Sorry, but you asked.
[...] to read about Stephen Collins or subscribe to the RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!With 37 others, I am standing for the final slot on the Social Media [...]
[...] The other day I put my name in for the Social Media Club’s 42 interim board member, and you can now vote for me at their site. [...]
Having served on some noted nonprofit Boards (including several I founded or co-founded), and as an Executive Director, Development Director, PR/Marketing Director, and Program Director during my career, I want to point out that not only is social media experience important here, but nonprofit management and Board experience is very important. Social Media Club is applying for a 50l(c)6 (a membership org.), and Board members need to understand what it means to serve as a nonprofit Board member, including the legal and personnel requirements. I urge voters to keep that in mind. Social media experience alone is not enough to serve effectively on a nonprofit Board, even though all the people on this list are terrific in many ways. I salute all of us.
Hey C and K:
Amazing response. Stoked.
Is this list final at this stage?
(It’s a great list, don’t get me wrong!, but just curious if you’re still open for any more nominations for a few fine Canadian folks.)
Hi Megan, per our prior post, no submissions after midnight last SAT - we will have plenty of opportunities to work with other folks in the near future - so much to do…
Adam is bringing up a point that I have been thinking about a lot the last few days. I can see how this could easily be seen as a ‘glamor show’ by looking at this from the outside - I also dont like the idea of having 38 people up for one spot. Looks a little silly, but this is an open process and we are going to go through it to see how it turns out - open to suggestions on how to improve it.
Also, there was no one who was submitted that didn’t pass initial qualifications as judged by a review of their comment and their blog. Cathryn really hits it on the head - we need someone with some real experience here - someone who can really work. If people aren’t sincere about wanting to help, I think you will see it in the posts they have written about what they want to do - we will follow up with a post tomorrow that links to every ‘candidates’s blog post that talks about they are doing this and what they want to do…
Anyway - I gave a longer audio response you can listen to here: http://www.utterz.com/u/utt/u-NTExMTAwMQ#uttNTExMTAwMQ
This is a fantastic list with so many great candidates. I’m running in hopes of giving back to the social media community that has given so much to me, however; I’d be happy with just about anyone of us in that last slot. Good luck everyone!
[...] to working more with the amazing people. If you’d like a fresh voice joining the chorus, please go here and vote for me. Poll is open until July 17th, [...]
[...] to working more with the amazing people. If you’d like a fresh voice joining the chorus, please go here and vote for me. Poll is open until July 17th, [...]
[...] Vote For Me, Jonathan Coffman for Social Media Club Board Member by clicking here (voting is open until Thursday [...]
The “trackback” capability on my blog seems to be on the fritz so I’m going to handle this the old fashioned way. Check out why I think I’m “worthy” here: http://is.gd/TvS
Best,
Aaron | @astrout
[...] to working more with the amazing people. If you’d like a fresh voice joining the chorus, please go here and vote for me. Poll is open until July 17th, [...]
[...] to working more with the amazing people. If you’d like a fresh voice joining the chorus, please go here and vote for me. Poll is open until July 17th, [...]
[...] help to identify the 42nd board member. Nominations have been received, and it’s your turn to put your vote in for the 42nd board member. Voting ends onThursday, July 17 at 11am PST. At that time, the top 3 will be put to a runoff vote [...]
[...] I would appreciate your vote to serve on the interim [...]
Never heard of me? Consider yourself an early adopter! There’s much to come from me in the realm of public relations and social media. I’m as ambitious as it gets on this list and super enthusiastic about how social media will change mainstream media for the better. Check out my social network PitchEngine or just vote Jason Kintzler!
Thanks, I truly appreciate the support!
I’m a Brit, operating around London, though my business is global. I’m also Founder and Godfather of the Social Media Mafia and have run a number of MediaCamps.
I’ve been working on the net for well over 10 years and have run very successful internet start-ups in the capacity of educational technologist and web marketing/strategist. I’m very conversant about what works and what doesn’t work for a web strategy and virtual community.
I’m a social media sceptic to an extent, I feel I would offer a sense balance to this organisation. There are enough “evangelists” to sink a ship, I’m sure you will agree we need balance and opposing views too.
If that is what you’d like vote me in.
[...] I was put forward for the Interim Board of Directors over at Social Media Club. [...]
Please note that Ann Handley, Gavin Heaton, Gennefer Snowfield and Siobhan O’Neil have withdrawn their names - I have just updated the post accordingly.
I’d like to say again that although social media, public relations and community building experience is very important, all of which I have, it is key that Board members for what will be a nonprofit organization understand what it means to incorporate, organize, manage and serve on the Board of a NONPROFIT organization. I do not see very many people on this list who seem to have that experience. I do, and I also understand the legal, financial and personnel responsibilities of being a nonprofit Board member or executive director. Additionally, I’ve been involved with, and have helped promote the Social Media Club almost since its inception, when it was still “BrainJams.” Think again about the real qualifications for a nonprofit Board member, whether interim or permanent. I appreciate your votes.
Aloha
Thanks 2 all my Tweeps, Fweeps and clients who’ve shown their overwhelming support and have not only voted for me, but asked your list to show their support as well.
You all have really touched me in how much you care, and reinforced some of the things I do to “give back”. So - I guess I’ll keep doing those things - since You’re liking the resources, tips, etc from my tweets.
re:
Cathryn Hrudicka’s question re: no one on this list with NON-profit experience
I served as a Director for a New Jersey agency non-profit company, and subsequently served on their board, as well as many others in addition to all my business experience/background.
My forte is creating systems for organizations when they are 1st formed - b/c quite frankly - that’s when they need me most - after that - it’s no longer a challenge and I’m not interested. Thus why I love joining things in their newest stages, b/c there is oh-so-much work to be done.
ONE NOTE of contention about this “election” process:
Once an election is “over” it’s over.
Not a fan at all about this “continued process” of the top three.
Hey if I’m not the winner by Thursday morning, then the people have spoken & enough said.
Plus - I really don’t want to bug my followers & clients about this PAST the close of an election.
That sounds like time for corruption to take place.
I’ve been poll-watcher for American elections and there’s a very strict process of beginning and end of election - and I’d like that to be represented here as well if we’re going to start this organization off on the right Professional foot.
We’re all professionals and will be happy for whoever won the 42nd board position & be done with it.
So my vote is to have all votes be final at the end of election close on Thurs.
Win or lose - I’ll be satisfied by 11am PST this Thurs.
@CoachDeb
AKA: Deborah Cole Micek
http://TribalSeduction.com
http://iDebi.TV (new site)
Wow - 8th out of 34 so far? SWEET! Not bad for a wee newbie. I’d love to get in the top 5 though - reach for the stars, right? Here’s why you should vote for me: http://www.diaryofareluctantblogger.com/2008/07/vote-for-me-please.html
thanks! : )
I hear ya Deb - just so you know though - I was thinking of this from the perspective of winning a majority of votes and expecting that out of 38 people, it was unlikely that there would be a majority - this was not clear as I guess I was jumpting a step as I am want to do - one of the reasons I love the back and forth of conversation I suppose is that it is sometimes hard for me to clearly state my thoughts in one brief pass… anyway, thank you for the feedback - will take into consideration with others…
Aloha Chris,
Yep - I’m with you in re: to the beauty of the conversation to perfect your thoughts. It’s what we love about Twitter & this medium of We are smarter than Me.
FYI - ALERT re: voting = Broken
BTW: I think the voting code on this site is broken. I held a mastermind call with 25 members of our inner circle coaching club today, and they all went on this site to vote for me - yet the vote didn’t budge past 283 - the number it seems to be stuck on for hours.
I double checked it LIVE when I stopped by a friends this evening, and saw them vote, yet the number of votes not increase after he submitted the vote button.
Also - I’m tracking the link I’m sending to my list of clients / fans who would have no reason NOT to vote for me, and I’ve tracked 1,000 unique clicks - yet I have a little less than 300 votes.
I highly doubt 700 of my best clients who are in love w/ our software & coaching services would go here and NOT vote for me to secure this board position - esp after seeing what did NOT happen during a LIVE call this evening when people were voting for me and telling me they were - yet I wasn’t seeing a rise in numbers.
Deb - we will have to look into this more closely - as you may know, there is no tech team to look after this stuff, just me still, and I am not a tech. Since the # is up since, it seems to be working, but may not be working all the time.
There is one thing we know for sure though, that the defence against people stuffing the poll/vote is to restrict the process to one IP address, one vote. This has been the case for some people with colleagues at work and their Proxy servers screwing it up.
As Adam and others pointed out, this is not a perfect process by far. The best system, which we can hopefully get in place for the formal board elections, will be a one account/email, one vote system so we can track it back to a closed universe.
Lots of lessons here, I am sorry they are making it difficult for you and/or causing any grief.
I am also working on a plan based on the feedback of how we can make this whole thing better overall - will be presenting a proposal to the existing 41 interim board members today - based on existing feedback from some people I spoke to at the Mashable party in SF last night, it looks to be headed in the right direction. A somewhat unique idea, that I am sure will piss a lot of people off
and make a lot of people say oh yeah, that makes total sense….
Aloha Chris,
no worries - I run a software company, and know how it goes. glitches! Bugs! IP’s! Oh My! LOL
oh & anything u implement that will:
>> will piss a lot of people off
and
>> make a lot of people say oh yeah, that makes total sense….
I’m down with!
LOL
I’ll leave you with the quote I’m thinking of starting the Twitter Handbook book off with - I think you’ll like it:
“If at first the idea is not absurd, there is no hope for it.”
~ Albert Einstein
That is some list! I’m pretty sure the candidates will help keep this sphere rooted in thoughtful considered practical action.
Excellent field of candidates, but from following so many social networking sites and players, I must say that to me, Deborah Micek wins hands down!
Dude- this is all SO FUN. (sorry - I know I should be more serious about it all! Told you I was class clown!) I think the final vote should be made by the 41 board members. I personally have already tapped out all my friends and I think they’ll slap me if I ask them to vote for me again ; )
woah - “if I get in the top 3″, that was supposed to say. Getting ahead of myself there!
Thanks Marg!
u just made my nite!
knowing I’ve won in your mind, heart is a MUCH bigger win in my book!
Thank you from bottom of my heart.
That’s what true social media is all about!!!
See u in the Twitterverse!
aloha!
FYI looks like the voting button has disappeared even thought the vote should still be open for a few more hours…
havent taken it down yet, but the ‘free’ tech is not as cooperative as I would hope - that is what we get for trying to do things on the fly without enough resources to manage it…
the original 41 and I are already discussing options since Deb suggested she didnt want to do a run off - this isnt about getting you to tap out your friends network (at least I didnt intend it to be that) so I would like to avoid that…
Aloha Chris,
I had a team of peeps on standby 4 another 50+ votes, easily but they reported having difficulties getting their vote recorded. With well over 1,200 hits tracked by the link I gave to my own tribe, I have difficulty believing my own supporters would come here and Not vote 4 me.
When Aaron & I were chatting when I was in the lead, we both shared mutual respect 4 one another & agreed the board needed 43 members. Think your current board agrees?
You should really make it so only members can vote. Just my two cents as a nonmember…I was surprised that my vote was accepted when I have no stake in your organization.
Well there we go, that was fun.
Looking forward to the next cycle of voting.
closed - will be posting on this shortly…
Deb, to quote your post on July 15th…”Hey if I’m not the winner by Thursday morning, then the people have spoken & enough said.”
Seems as if the poeple have spoken…..enough said.
All of a sudden there needs to be 43 board member? Enough said…
@Anon: We left this advisory board vote open to everyone as we felt anyone who was interested in Social Media should have a vote. Again, this is an interim group put into place to help launch projects and get the official organization set up. When the time comes for the actual BOD, that vote will be reserved for paid members only.
Vote one
If read some of Jason Kintzlers stuff.. i came here off of a link from Tony Wright.. i’ve heard him speak several times (unfortunately) but being a past board member and past president for the organization he was speaking for, it would have been extremely uncool to have pointed out the flaws in what he was saying… and it would have taken most of the afternoon.
as a member.. this is a vote for jason kintzler (based on favorable exposure only) (dont’ know everyone else) and a NO vote for Tony Wright.
thank you.
[...] Vote For Me, Jonathan Coffman for Social Media Club Board Member by clicking here (voting is open until Thursday [...]
Will vote for jonathan.
Cheerz
http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/2006/11/05/timeline-perspective