With a project of this kind -- an unusual endeavor, to say the least -- it seems important to have people know that things are being responsibly handled, funds being correctly managed and distributed, and deadlines being honored unless there's some really large problem.

That being the case, DD has asked the largest donors to the Big Meow project, including Theodore Ts'o, as well as Kathy Li and Peter Murray (hard-working sysops at the Young Wizards discussion forums), and DD's literary agent, Don Maass, to act as an informal oversight committee for the project. They have agreed to keep an eye on deadlines and other issues, and to poke DD gently if or when necessary to make sure that things run smoothly.