What Happened to the Open Source Initiative (OSI) Elections: Missed Deadline
In the previous past (last night) we said: "The Open Source Initiative (OSI) may be fighting for its very survival following a series of blunders"
In the previous chapter we already explained that the OSI had come under a formal investigation, partly related to the faux election of 2025 (and prior elections). But let's go back in time to study what actually happened in this highly controversial 'election', as told by an expert in this sort of thing:
Time Zones
There are various time zones indicated on the website now with regard to membership sign-up deadlines and voting deadlines. Here are some examples. One additional problem to stating UTC and GMT is there is no PST on March 17.
see PST image:
"Sign up before March 7 to become a full individual member (Supporting or Professional) and vote. Voting ends on March 17 at 5:00 pm GMT (10:00 am PST)." (Source)
"If you’re not already a full member (Supporting or Professional), there’s still time to become one and participate in the discussions and vote! Sign up before March 7th at 11:00 am UTC (4:00 am PST)." (Source)
So what is the standard time zone for OSI? Is it GMT, UTC, PST or PDT?
This is one insight as to the OSI and their "standardisation".
Members per bylaws
So, what happened next as I entered the rabbit hole in a search for anything on the website about student memberships was "interesting".
- Basic membership did not include the "privilege" of voting.
- There is a student membership but no application.
- The application system did not even require confirmation, passphrase, or key. Anyone could apply and receive the basic membership.
They did this to "game the system" and fake the number of "members" they have. They apparently need those for regulatory reasons (OSI is just corporations' front), but what happens when one fakes it?
At a later point we'll give a fuller summary (e.g. the bylaws) of the issues and show more screenshots. The way it is looking right now, there will be more complaints against the OSI and it may lose its ability to operate.
"The OSI posts their bylaws," an informed person told us, as the "OSI is a California corporation and bylaws are meant for internal governance inline with state law. There have been questions about lobbying. See this post for more information."
"I am sure we will not be disappointed in the drama around OSI, the elections and failed attempt at defining Open Source AI."
Some insiders saw it coming, saying that they had not seen it coming before.
Election information from the OSI itself (in its official Web site) said: "We look forward to a vibrant and informative election process!"
"One thing," a sarcastic informer told us, "when it comes to OSI election drama, at least they don't disappoint!"
Well, they helped expose a number of other scandals, which we partly illuminated in prior years when people were not paying attention. Attracting attention to oneself means increased scrutiny. That's the last thing the OSI needs right now. █