Appendix A: Aperture Viewer ‐ Advisory Board Charter - ApertureViewer/Aperture-Opertations-Manual GitHub Wiki

Version: 1.0 Date Effective: [YYYY-MM-DD]

1. Preamble

This Charter outlines the purpose, role, composition, and operational guidelines for the Advisory Board of the Aperture Viewer project ("the Project"). The Advisory Board is established by the Project Lead, William Weaver, to provide strategic counsel and uphold the core ethos and values of the Project.

2. Purpose of the Advisory Board

The primary purposes of the Aperture Viewer Advisory Board are:

  • To provide high-level strategic advice and guidance to the Project Lead on matters concerning the Project's long-term direction, feature priorities, and overall vision.
  • To serve as a trusted sounding board for the Project Lead on significant policy decisions, community engagement strategies, and potential external collaborations.
  • To help ensure the Project remains steadfastly aligned with its foundational ethos ("Nothing Is Not Possible") and its stated Community Values.
  • To offer diverse perspectives reflecting the needs, desires, and sentiments of the virtual world creator community that the Project aims to serve.
  • To act as informal ambassadors for the Project's values and vision within the broader community, where appropriate and comfortable for the member.
  • To provide wisdom and counsel based on members' extensive experience, creative excellence, and professional insight.

3. Role and Responsibilities of Advisory Board Members

  • Advisory Capacity: The role of Advisory Board members is strictly advisory. Members provide recommendations, feedback, and diverse viewpoints to the Project Lead. They do not hold executive or operational authority, are not involved in the day-to-day management or development tasks of the Project, and do not have voting rights on Project decisions.
  • Strategic Input: Offer insights and perspectives on proposed strategic initiatives, major roadmap considerations, and significant changes to the Project's direction.
  • Ethos and Values Stewardship: Provide counsel to ensure that Project developments and policies remain consistent with its core principles.
  • Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive Project information or internal discussions shared with the Advisory Board, as per the Project's Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) (see AOM Appendix [F]).
  • Constructive Engagement: Participate thoughtfully and constructively when advice is solicited, offering honest and candid feedback.
  • Understanding of Commitments: The Project Lead recognizes that Advisory Board members have significant external professional and personal commitments. The level and frequency of engagement will be respectful of these commitments, often focusing on periodic input for major decisions or specific strategic questions.

4. Composition and Term

  • Appointment: Members are invited to join the Advisory Board by the Project Lead based on their distinguished experience, alignment with the Project's values, and potential to contribute valuable strategic counsel.
  • Founding Members: The contributions of individuals instrumental in the early conceptualization and inspiration for the Project are particularly valued, and they form the foundational core of the Advisory Board.
  • Term: Membership on the Advisory Board is generally considered ongoing, reflecting a relationship of sustained trust and mutual respect. There is no fixed term of service. Members may resign from the Advisory Board at any time by providing notice to the Project Lead. The Project Lead also retains the discretion to modify the composition of the Advisory Board as deemed necessary for the Project's best interests.

5. Operations

  • Solicitation of Advice: The Project Lead will solicit input from Advisory Board members as needed. This may occur through:
    • Individual consultations.
    • Group discussions via designated private communication channels (e.g., a dedicated Discord channel for "Advisory Board + Leadership").
    • Requests for written feedback on specific proposals.
    • Occasional (infrequent and optional) meetings, potentially virtual, if a topic warrants broader real-time discussion and member availability permits.
  • Integration of Advice: The Project Lead is committed to giving thorough and respectful consideration to all advice and perspectives provided by the Advisory Board. While final decision-making authority rests with the Project Lead, the insights from the Advisory Board will be a significant and valued component of the deliberation process.
  • No Compensation: Membership on the Advisory Board is a voluntary, unpaid role, reflecting a commitment to the Project's success and values.

6. Amendments to the Charter

This Advisory Board Charter may be amended from time to time by the Project Lead as the Project evolves. Significant changes to the Charter will be communicated to Advisory Board members.

7. Acknowledgment

The Aperture Viewer project deeply values the willingness of distinguished individuals to serve on its Advisory Board. Their experience, wisdom, creativity, character, and commitment to the virtual world community are invaluable assets that will significantly contribute to the Project's enduring success and integrity.