Urgent: Help Keep the WebID Community Group Open

Dear CG Members,

After over 10 years of dedicated work on the WebID specifications and
ecosystem, W3C staff have indicated that the Community Group is set to
close on 8 July 2024 (next Monday).

This thread is for anyone who would like to try and keep the group OPEN. If
you prefer the group to close, I'd kindly ask you to express that in
another thread.


*Why Keep the Group Open?*

There are compelling reasons to keep the group active. The web itself needs
an identity system, and arguably WebID should be it. We have unfinished
work, such as creating a JSON-LD example. Additionally, it may be nice to
help continue the excellent work of Henry Story, TimBL and many other
contributors, as it applies to the modern Web.

*Current Status*

Over the weekend, I conducted a quick roll call [2] to gauge current
activity. So far, 5 people replied +1 on-list, and two replied +1 off-list,
indicating at least 7 active members. Since it takes 6 people to start a
CG, this suggests we have enough participants to continue, even if on a
reduced activity basis.

*The Challenge*

The main hurdle we face is finding a new chair. Here are three potential
volunteer roles:

1. *A volunteer to be chair*
2. *A volunteer willing to serve if no one else steps up*
3. *A volunteer willing to serve to keep the group open*

So far, we haven't received any offers for these roles. However, deadlines
often spur action. Someone who might not initially want to chair could
consider stepping into bucket (3) to keep the group alive.

*Moving Forward*

We have until the weekend to keep the group open. Any creative suggestions,
such as appointing a temporary chair or implementing a rotating chair
system, are welcome. These could be proposed to the W3C Staff for approval.

I hope we can save the group by the weekend. If not, it has been an
absolute pleasure working with all of you.

Best Wishes,
Melvin Carvalho

[1] https://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/public-webid/2024Jul/0000.html
[2] https://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/public-webid/2024Jun/0001.html