Changes

* 2015-02-12 - Vote announced on the mailing list.

* 2015-02-12 - Vote announced on the mailing list.

* 2015-02-17 - Language locked in.

* 2015-02-24 - Language locked in.

* 2015-02-24 - Vote of the membership.

* 2015-03-03 - Vote of the membership. Failed due to lack of quorum.

* 2015-03-10 - Vote of the membership. Passed.

== Background ==

== Background ==

=== Complex Tool Authorization ===

=== Complex Tool Authorization ===

The original model where any person can authorize any other person (so-called "viral authorization") works for simple tools, but it tends to fall apart for more complex tools. Important information can get lost as authorizations spread from person to person. Area Hosts and persons experienced and active in the area have, in many cases, worked to develop standardized curricula or checklists for authorization. To this end, a number of tools (Bridgeport mill, Clausing lathe, SEM, TIG welder, knitting machines, etc.) limit the number of people who are capable of authorizing. In some cases, the Area Hosts have established prerequisite authorizations for tools. E.g. the Bridgeport mill and Clausing lathe require the "Tier 1" cold metal authorization; this guarantees mill or lathe users know how to use non-precision tools like the band saws necessary to shape metal prior to precision milling or turning, and it also introduces the user to safety information and metal cutting theory.

The original model where any person can authorize any other person (so-called "[[Viral Authorizations]]") works for simple tools, but it tends to fall apart for more complex tools. Important information can get lost as authorizations spread from person to person. Area Hosts and persons experienced and active in the area have, in many cases, worked to develop standardized curricula or checklists for authorization. To this end, a number of tools (Bridgeport mill, Clausing lathe, SEM, TIG welder, knitting machines, etc.) limit the number of people who are capable of authorizing. In some cases, the Area Hosts have established prerequisite authorizations for tools. E.g. the Bridgeport mill and Clausing lathe require the "Tier 1" cold metal authorization; this guarantees mill or lathe users know how to use non-precision tools like the band saws necessary to shape metal prior to precision milling or turning, and it also introduces the user to safety information and metal cutting theory.

Additionally, certifications never expired. A person certified two years ago on a machine who never used it since may have forgotten much of the authorization. Although not implemented, having currency and re-authorization requirements (e.g. your authorization expires if you haven't used the tool for 6 months) may make sense for certain tools.

 

Additionally, certifications never expired. A person certified two years ago on a machine who never used it since may have forgotten much of the material from the certification. Although not implemented, having currency and re-authorization requirements (e.g. your authorization expires if you haven't used the tool for 6 months) may make sense for certain tools.

These requirements enhance the authorization process, but they could not be enforced under the existing Certification Policy. The proposed Authorization Policy explicitly allows them.

These requirements enhance the authorization process, but they could not be enforced under the existing Certification Policy. The proposed Authorization Policy explicitly allows them.

A: The Area Hosts or the Board make a judgment call. Presumably, they would not grant an exception to someone they feel would be a risk. The Area Hosts and the Board are ultimately accountable to the membership, so it would not be in their best interest to do so.

A: The Area Hosts or the Board make a judgment call. Presumably, they would not grant an exception to someone they feel would be a risk. The Area Hosts and the Board are ultimately accountable to the membership, so it would not be in their best interest to do so.

Q: Doesn't this inappropriatley extend free membership benefits?

Q: Doesn't this inappropriately extend free membership benefits?

A: No. This isn't a back door to provide membership to people without paying. An Area Host could allow a non-member master blacksmith to teach a class using our forge and anvil, but that provides benefit to the space. The exception granted here is limited to a specific purpose. The Area Host could not permit the blacksmith to come back the following weekend and use the forge and anvil to turn out work for his or her clients. The blacksmith must become a member to do that.

A: No. This isn't a back door to provide membership to people without paying. An Area Host could allow a non-member master blacksmith to teach a class using our forge and anvil, but that provides benefit to the space. The exception granted here is limited to a specific purpose. The Area Host could not permit the blacksmith to come back the following weekend and use the forge and anvil to turn out work for his or her clients. The blacksmith must become a member to do that.

* Prerequisite authorizations a user must first obtain.

* Prerequisite authorizations a user must first obtain.

* Currency or re-authorization requirements (e.g. an authorization expires if the member has not used the tool in 6 months.)

* Currency or re-authorization requirements (e.g. an authorization expires if the member has not used the tool in 6 months.)

These additional requirements must be communicated to the membership via the wiki or some other means and may be modified by the Board of Directors or an Area Host responsible for the tool at any time.

These additional requirements must be communicated to the membership via the wiki or some other means and may be modified by the Board of Directors or an Area Host responsible for the tool at any time.