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UKAPS Committee feedback

Thanks, this is good, but the motivation behind changes was the lack of transparency, so I think it is fair to expect from the newly formed committee a complete transparency - that's all.
I think the motivation was not having UKAPS fall apart rather than anything approaching complete transparency.
 
I made a similar suggestion in the constitution thread. That the committee should reflect on how they plan to manage the data.
I’m sure there is a lot of things they need to work through, hopefully someone with good experience in information governance and data management can help them out.
 
Well, people are not posting sensitive personal data so I do not think there are serious privacy concerns. The nature of an internet forum is that it is a public place, everyone knows this and should not share anything they do not want to be publicly known.
 
That’s not how the law works for forums in the UK. I think most people are not aware of the laws / regulations. It’s also good to consider best practice as well as legally compliant. This is the reason I suggest the committee spend some time on it. I think they made the right decision getting the financials sorted first. I feel data is now the next most important priority.
 
Hi all,

@Tim Harrison what is the point of this? There is no evidence of any financial impropriety, there may have been incomplete record keeping, but no evidence of malfeasance.

Let us draw a line under this, for the good of the forum.

cheers Darrel
Sorry Darrel I disagree completely. You're a scientist you must acknowledge that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. And for the record I'm not trying to stir up problems, quite the opposite. The questions I asked are quite ordinary and wholly legitimate.

I'm not going to make a fuss, but it would be greatly appreciated if the @UKAPS Committee could answer them please. They are asked in the spirit of transparency as was promised. I really don't see the problem.
 
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I'm not going to make a fuss, but it would be greatly appreciated if the @UKAPS Committee could answer them please. They are asked in the spirit of transparency as was promised. I really don't see the prproblem.
There will be responces to all of your questions Tim, the list of tasks is long but we will continue to keep members informed as progress is made.
Hope your well fella 🤚
 
The forum is saved, hallelujah... let's move on.
Agree - I was just supporting a member who was trying very hard to save the forum and was after at least an offer of mod etc, as for conflict of issues, both sides was trying to save forum so I don't see an issue.
 
I made a similar suggestion in the constitution thread. That the committee should reflect on how they plan to manage the data.
I’m sure there is a lot of things they need to work through, hopefully someone with good experience in information governance and data management can help them out.
I have a degree of expertise in this area and I fully agree that this is an important issue.

I think, however, this needs to be dealt with in a separate terms of use agreement for the forum and not placed in the constitution. This would involve clarification of the jurisdiction under which we operate (EU and UK approaches to data are starting to diverge a the US approach is different to both). This would then need to be actively agreed to by forum members when the forum is under new management (informed consent and all that).

To avoid doubt we can assume that forum has operated under UK jurisdiction.

I would strongly suggest forming the society without reference to the forum as this then makes transfer of assets (tangible and intangible) with indemnities for liabilities much clearer (and easier).
 
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I just wanted to check. This is a forum for like-minded people to talk and collaborate about planted aquariums, right?

I do not want to be shot in the face, but we are getting dangerously close to being more regulated than HSBC, and more like UNISON.

I admit I'm an outsider. I just read this thread and think something has been lost somewhere. And it ain't because someone did not handle the cash properly.
 
I just wanted to check. This is a forum for like-minded people to talk and collaborate about planted aquariums, right?

I do not want to be shot in the face, but we are getting dangerously close to being more regulated than HSBC, and more like UNISON.

I admit I'm an outsider. I just read this thread and think something has been lost somewhere. And it ain't because someone did not handle the cash properly.
Bradders you are not an , outsider,your are a valued member, as l think all members are valued ,let's be optimistic ,people stepped up in difficult circumstances so let's give them support
 
Screenshot 2024-10-14 at 23.28.41.png
 
Inner voice: Stop overthinking this... UKAPS is an aquarium forum! Let's not impose undue responsibilities on the volunteers that are running the show now. We are not dealing with Mark Suckerbag here. Having all sorts of terms of agreement is a bees nest. Think of UKAPS as you would be writing a piece for a hobby magazine for free giving your best advice on how to keep plants and fish... thats it! ... if you don't want to participate, just don't! its that simple. If you think your posts are so valuable that they can't be left behind in case you leave the forum, stop posting and go write a book instead! 🙂

Cheers,
Michael
 
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email address, name and age...some people use real names etc.
Members will likely share full physical address in direct messages when selling equipment.
Potentially even bank account details.
I trust it’s all safe, but it’s worth the committee being well informed and in agreement as they are going to be legally responsible going forward.

Also, I believe following the law in regards to content ownership is sensible because it will protect UKAPS from any crazy members (think situations when people get banned etc…).

Hope this helps explain my reasoning.
It’s not about overvaluing member posts. It’s about looking after the organisation (and the amazing volunteers who are taking on this responsibility).
 
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I just wanted to check. This is a forum for like-minded people to talk and collaborate about planted aquariums, right?

I do not want to be shot in the face, but we are getting dangerously close to being more regulated than HSBC, and more like UNISON.

I admit I'm an outsider. I just read this thread and think something has been lost somewhere. And it ain't because someone did not handle the cash properly.
My take on this is that Tim's original post was a much needed stimulus for change. Staying the same isn't an option.

Moving forward it is clear that if we want a society that will accept money and spend it there are rules and processes we need to follow. Not HSBC but enough to satisy HMRC if they ever asked. Since that point other issues have come up which need to be addressed around data management and control. I have worked with the Information Commissioners Office and taught this area. We need to comply with UK legislation and the society isn't compliant.

I have no doubt that further issues will arise. The committee seem to be taking these issues on board and dealing with them.

This is a massive undertaking. They will take a view on how much additional support they will need and the type of structures. My view is just to get behind them and offer help and support.

My take on the current structure is quite lean and they could grow the committee to get through this stage of development. If it was my call (which it isn't) I would be setting up temporary working groups of two or three members chaired by a committee member to come back with solutions to some of the pressing problems. So not quite UNISON but a structured way of ensuring you have enough resources to resolve the issues without becoming overwhelmed. Use the smaller executive Committee to decide but work with a larger group to find options and solutions.

My overall take on this is that the society will come out of this a lot stronger and be able to develop beyond the forum. I am not sure what it will look like, however, it's going to be interesting...
 
On a slightly different note it'd also be good to know if UKAPS is in fact community owned, as promised, or whether it's still owned by Dan Crawford, and if the funds are still held in his private bank account. And if so, what are the committee's plans in both regards going forward?

And also how the committee intends to ensure full financial transparency going forward, and make the finances available for the membership to view?

If these subjects have already been disclosed elsewhere in the forum, and I've missed them somehow, it'd be appreciated if someone could link them for me below. Thanks

@UKAPS Committee, disappointed my questions still remain unanswered.

I think the first few questions could be answered immediately...

Is UKAPS community owned, or still owned by Dan Crawford?
Are the funds still held in Dan Crawfords private bank account?


From the constitution...

"...As such, voluntary membership to the Society will carry a small annual membership fee of £12. Society Membership is entirely voluntary and no existing forum content will be lost to those not choosing to be members of the Society... "

I'd love to make a voluntary contribution, but I don't know where, or to whom it's going.
I think that's been the point all along.

To those who have an existential fear that the forum will be lost, or was ever in danger of being lost. Don't worry, it was never ever the case, nor will it ever be so.
Darrel @dw1305 you will never be faced with the problem of having to find a new home for your Duckweed Index.

Anyway, @UKAPS Committee I await your answers, hopefully sooner than later.
 
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Hey @Tim Harrison ,

Apologies for not responding sooner to your questions.
The Committee are keen to provide a full update once the legal and banking aspects have been finalised. It wont be a surprise to most, the banking system doesn't move fast but it has become apparent they are especially diligent when it come to community/society bank accounts! The Society has been formally signed over from founders to member ownership, as soon as the last ducks line up a more concise announcement will be made to the community.
Regarding reporting, this is stated in the constitution and in the post from Wookii in the constitution sticky.

Take care
 
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