From my view, I think there wasn’t enough clarity about what members are supposed to do or what real “powers” they can have. Some history here: FOSS United Memberships [Version 1]
If we want to do a genuine member driven org, then members must have access to all internal workings (which should be public) have real powers, including appointment and review of staff, budgets etc. expressed either through voting and the organisation should be run with much more transparency.
For day to day working, the staff must have as much autonomy and freedom as possible and they must be accountable to the community via regular reports on this forum.
I think there could be a way we can become a truly democratic organisation (which is my personal wish at the moment). One of the reasons for me to be part of this is that there was no such community that was “true spirited”. Communities were either too commercial, or they were controlled by a few people (which unfortunately FOSS United is right now). We have a lot of goodwill at the moment, we should try and raise the bar for ourselves.
Some of the things that we decide in IndiaFOSS for example, like what kind panels will be there, who are the panelists, who selects talks, what is the criteria is very closed. For me this is the heart of what we do and we should make the process as transparent as possible. I realise that I have been part of the “closed” group, and from now on I am going to communicate my thoughts only via the forum.
Regards to organisation size and funding, my preference is for a smaller org which is more aligned to the community. We could keep the membership fees low and then raise money during the events. If we are aligned on being a “member driven” organisation, I am sure there will be ways to get it done.
Would also love to hear what @knadh has to say on this!