Re: [kDev] project managers

[Daniel Harris <daniel@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Mark and All,

Thanks for your email. Here's some idea of the way I'm thinking. I'm 
not coming from any textbook idea about how I should go about hiring 
but more feeling my way through and seeing what works and feels best. 
Note that most of these feelings/ideas are drawn from people I meet on 
this list and elsewhere. If people are happy with the way things are 
going then I proceed and if not I call for discussion. I respect the 
input I get from these lists big time. Without these people there is no 
project.

I'll be hiring at least one person but could be more - I've always said 
there'd be around 5 people maximum in Kendra Foundation when we get 
fully funded. More and more I'm preferring the idea of hiring part-time 
people rather than full-time. More time for me to test and comment on 
what's being being developed. And it'll take longer to blow all my 
cash! ;-)

So, how a developer looks on paper or what they've done in the past is 
not so much of interest to me as seeing that they get what Kendra is 
about and show an understanding of what needs to be done or, at least, 
a desire to understand. And, so, the ability to put their ideas across 
or ask questions in public on list. See the list guidelines for more 
detail on why we need encourage on-list communication. Also, I'm 
looking for people I can work with and not just people that can do the 
job.

I'm putting my own cash into this project. I'm doing this because I'm 
committed to the Kendra vision. The financial "upside" is I'll get my 
money back and a wage for doing what I'm doing - so no big money pot - 
Kendra is non-profit! Which is fine because Kendra's not about making 
money for me, it's about building kendraSystem. I'm looking for 
developers who are committed too. I'm not asking for people to work for 
nothing (unless they want to) but I'm asking for a demonstration of 
that commitment. If I can see "it" this will reduce my risk. And I'm a 
risk manager. You see, I'm for an easy life, oh yes! ;-)

And, yes, this does necessitate an amount of effort on the part of a 
prospective developer beyond handing over a CV and waiting to be 
shortlisted for interview. But at some point a prospective developer is 
going to say enough is enough, they've proved their 
commitment/aptitude/willingness/suitability and now they need something 
in return. And that's cool. Or perhaps I'll say enough is enough. Or 
perhaps someone else will say enough is enough and recommend that I go 
with so and so or whatever.

I'm on for hiring a person, people or team now, asap. But I'm not going 
to rush it. It will happen when I and every concerned person is happy 
with ideas, project plan, commitment, pay, etc.

I hope that helps. I hope it's fair. Any questions or comments welcome.

Cheers Daniel

On Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at 10:36  pm, Mark Simpkins wrote:
> So please note my interest at the moment. If there is anyone who wants 
> to see a CV or talk more about experience etc. then just drop me an 
> email or a call.