This is spot on. Many folks, accustomed to models where they may not have an opportunity to participate, or “participation” is limited to the role of a consumer, may expect organizational decision-making (indeed any information) to be delivered (directed) to them as marketing or promotion.

For folks transitioning from consumers to prosumers, taking on the responsibility of self-organizing can seem daunting (how do I find relevant information?), futile (is this all of the information or the correct information?), and backwards (shouldn’t this organization be
keeping me up to date rather than me looking for updates?). However self-organizing groups is one of the most powerful resources of open communities. The members of these groups will have an affinity for the specific topic/issue because of their personal experience or expertise. Who better to drive development user-stories, use cases and solutions than the actual users dealing with the topic at hand as part of their day-to-day operational activities?

I think you are right, you can’t expect every member of an open community to have the time, knowledge, or skill to participate in all of the decision-making, and the best part is that they don’t have to. They only need to contribute to what is important to them. If everyone adds their best effort to their biggest itch, the whole project advances through the collaborative effort.

BTW anyone who has an affinity for defining “Openness” please feel free to help (if you have an affinity for that sort of thing).