(S23) - PT 5 - A New Leaf

[Memento Mori]

I think that, overall, our HO does a really good job. The league is in a great place and is continuing to grow. But something has bugged me ever since I joined the league. I think the fact that HO decides who should join HO is a deeply flawed system. I understand the pros of this – HO needs to know that they can work with the prospective new member, etc. but a system like this will inevitably lead to current HO appointing new members who are similar to themselves. You’re more likely to want to work with Candidate A, who you’re very close with on account that the two of you are similar people who share similar opinions, than Candidate B who you’re not as close with because while their views aren’t incompatible with yours, they are distinct. This isn’t a criticism of HO, it’s an unconscious bias that afflicts almost everyone (see this article for a great explanation).

Why is this a problem? Because everyone is flawed. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. If HO ends up being comprised of five very similar people, HO may excel in one or several ways but be much weaker in another. Two very obvious, extreme examples: HO could be five techies who bring huge improvements to the index, banking, the forums etc. but who lack good communication skills and don’t communicate effectively enough with the community and don’t implement the improvements the community actually wanted. Or, HO could be five excellent communicators who are great at listening to the community’s thoughts and concerns but lack the practical skills to act on them.

I think some sort of hybrid system where another body (some sort of committee of long-time users perhaps? But how would we select those?) works with HO and the community – with a community vote being a part of it, possibly – to appoint the best candidates to HO. I’m not sure exactly what that process should look like. But I think the current system is a potential problem, and solutions are worth exploring.

(like 300 and something words I don't remember)