The rules this year are clearer than ever, and that’s awesome.
But you’d better actually read them (warning: Word docx), because there’s a few doozies like this one:
“All campaigning must promote PASS in a positive manner. Campaigning that breaks the stated rules or brings PASS into disrepute may be challenged by any PASS member.”
Keep in mind that you’ll be running against PASS Board of Director members up for re-election. You can’t say anything negative about them or the choices the organization made while they were in office.
You probably think what you’re saying is fine, but remember that “any PASS member” – any one of the delicate flowers who scream that the community is dying – can say you’re bringing PASS into disrepute.
Now imagine running for your company’s DBA position, looking at a server that hasn’t been backed up, has security holes, and is running on 2007 hardware. Now before you start interviewing, you’re told:
“All interviewing must promote our existing SQL Server in a positive manner. Campaigning that brings the last DBA into disrepute may not be tolerated.”
Would you really want to go to work there?
Update: How This Rule Changed from 2013
Former Board of Directors member Allen Kinsel (Blog – @AllenKinsel) – found last year’s election docs in the Internet Wayback Machine. Here’s the relevant section:
“All campaigning must promote PASS in a positive manner. Campaigning that transgresses the stated rules or brings PASS into disrepute may be challenged by any Board members, Committee members, or Chapter leaders. Complaints may be reported to the Chair of the Nominations Committee or to Governance at HQ.”
Before, only a few folks could raise concerns, but now anybody in the community can blow the whistle and say you’re bringing PASS into disrepute. I wonder why that change was made? (Not being funny here, just seriously wondering.)