[LAA] Linuxaudio.org update and next steps--call for community input and participation

Dear Colleagues and fellow Linux Audio enthusiasts, It's been quite a few years since Linuxaudio.org consortium has maintained an active presence beyond serving as a nexus for all things Linux audio. Almost two decades ago when the consortium was formed by Daniel James et al., Linux was in need of a concerted effort to improve audio on Linux, as well as expand its visibility and adoption. Today, Linux is ubiquitous and its audio infrastructure arguably superior to alternatives, including commercial efforts by industry behemoths, such as Apple and Microsoft. Likewise, the Linux audio software has been growing and maturing by leaps and bounds, with an increasing number of commercial vendors also embracing it as a viable platform both for studio and entertainment purposes. Undoubtedly, we could have never reached these new and impressive levels without this community and its commitment and energy. And as Linux audio matured, the consortium role increasingly shifted to that of offering community resources and historical preservation. Following a hack in 2018, thanks to Jeremy Jongepier and Robin Gareus' help, we transitioned the hosting away from Virginia Tech while doing our best to ensure a seamless transition. Shortly thereafter, the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic. So, here we are, in 2022, at what appears to be (hopefully!) the tail end of the pandemic. Linuxaudio.org has fully embraced its primary role as an online resource, including archiving of the Linux Audio Conference materials, and hosting longest-running community mailing lists pertaining to the Linux audio. With this, I believe we have arrived at the end of consortium's first chapter. I see this as an opportunity for the community to reflect on what we believe Linux audio needs in 2022 and onwards and how the consortium may need to evolve to better meet these newfound opportunities and challenges. Just as importantly, having served as the consortium's director for almost two decades, I believe it is time for me to step down and make room for new leadership. If the community so desires, we may also want to use this as an opportunity to transition away from what may be seen as a traditional form of organizational structure and instead explore forming a committee of key community members, each with their own specific tasks and areas of focus. With all this in mind, I invite your feedback and input, including (self-)nominations for service on the proposed committee and/or my successor. The aspirational goal is to form the committee and/or select the successor by the end of July 2022. I sincerely look forward to your input and feedback. Best, Ico -- Ivica Ico Bukvic, D.M.A. Director, Creativity + Innovation Director, Human-Centered Design iPhD Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology Virginia Tech Creative Technologies in Music School of Performing Arts – 0141 Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-6139 ico(a)vt.edu ci.icat.vt.edu l2ork.icat.vt.edu ico.bukvic.net