Group: Manchester/2009-05-11/Minutes

Manchester Free Software Minutes

19.00, Monday 11th May 2009

Present: Lucy, Matt M, Michael, Simon.

Apologies: None

Last Meeting

The minutes of 6th April 2009 were approved as correct without a copy being present.

Announcements

• Chairperson election. There isn't going to be one as only one candidate stood. Lucy leads us bravely on for another 6 months.

• Digital Britain Unconference: Anyone present going? Just Lucy.

• LUG Radio Live 2009: Not too many details yet. Lucy says: "Well worth going.".

Room Booking

We have a talk for next week but no room. Lass O'Gowrie willing to give us a free room, this is our first choice. It was decided that BBC was next choice.

Speakers

Michael was unsure about whether he had confirmed date for Chris Warburton talk so action to confirm. Tim and Dave not present so their actions carried over.

ACTION: Michael to confirm Chris Warburton talk date.

ACTION: Dave to arrange for student society to book a University room for October talk.

ACTION: Tim to talk to Microsoft guy.

Books

MFS should take some books to LUG Radio Live if FSF not present. Discussed about Matthew L selling books to peers. Michael will buy enough books to get money up to a level so we can buy a banner and big poster.

ACTION: Lucy to chase Matthew L about books and re-publicise them.

ACTION: Michael to divide up books for distribution amongst group members.

Banner

We need logo finalising. Logo licensing discussed. Decided to get banner by September so get logo by August. People not keen on a competition to design a logo because people think that we need a designer to design the logo.

ACTION: Lucy to chase Fab (from Linux Outlaws) about logo.

Banking

Matthew M doesn't think that bank account is a good idea due to the low volumes of money involved versus the hassle that an account will be. Michael thinks we should avoid accumulating large amounts of money, we should spend it. Agreed to put off decision about getting a bank account for 3 months.

ACTION: Matthew M to send out updated accounts including amount we have after FSF take their cut.

The Arcspace Project

Lucy asked who will be there on Saturday, no one said they would be. Lucy asked where to we want to go from here with our involvement. Wait and see?

Marbella Cafe

Lots of emails from Janey. Janey wants us to get involved in creating the hub. They have a new place in Angel Meadows. Asbestos found in building so there are delays in opening. We'll leave our involvement until they have power to the building. They want a website and groupware tools. We pointed them in the direction of free software and away from Google apps.

Treasurer Elections

We need to have elections for Treasurer. Matthew M stated he was willing to stand again on a low maintenance ticket. Lucy gave suggested dates for elections (see agenda), all agreed.

ACTION: Lucy to speak to Paul about being independent vote counter again.
ACTION: Lucy to start election proceedings.

Branding

FSUK-Manchester/MFS discussion. Name discussion between fsuk-manchester and MFS in the tag of mailing list emails. Domain name issues. No decision made.

ACTION: Simon to speak to Matt Lee about future of FSUK.

Any Other Business

None. Carry over Dave's action.

ACTION: Dave to write a letter addressed to MEPs arguing against software patents for members to sign.

Next Meeting

Monday 8th June 7pm at The Waterhouse.