"2. I am really glad we have this code now."
Yes. In one of my online courses (philosophy/world-religion), the instructor used this function (in webct) at the end of each week. The last word was the function of a deadline, otherwise most of the threads could have continued endlessly. Maybe a timer function could be added to dotLRN's thread close function?
Talli, I agree with much of what you state, but also think that a tip is unnecessary at this point. Politics is about the interplay of (real and imagined) power and does not result in solving anything. Clearly, Furfly currently has the power to pull the plug on the server, but would that wouldn't kill openacs.
Do you see any way that adding more bureacracy or constraints could hinder positive work in other areas?
Here's one. Marketing is about economic warfare. In the context of LAMP and CMS systems, openacs is a revolutionary technology and community. OpenACS evangelists battle tactically with technology and marketing. In the case of marketing, sometimes it is best to not be completely transparent until decisive action is taken (a principle surely older than Sun-Tzu's Art of War).
Similarly, perhaps some social issues are best discussed in private. A private discussion was held, apparently as an attempt to come to an informed place before taking any action. Intelligent action is a wise process by anyone's hand.
