Group: Manchester/2008-03-18/Minutes
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| − | * Examples: Software Freedom Day events, handing out | + | * Examples: Software Freedom Day events, handing out leaflets |
| − | * DaveP suggested getting together some bootable CDs or similar into | + | * DaveP suggested getting together some bootable CDs or similar into the Central Library for Software Freedom Day. [This has already been [http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/fsuk-manchester/2008-02/msg00005.html suggested on list]]. |
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** The aim is to get the public using free software. | ** The aim is to get the public using free software. | ||
Revision as of 16:35, 2 April 2008
Contents
Minutes of Meeting on 2008-03-18
No fixed agenda. The topic was a very general “what are we going to do and how?”
Attendees: Tim Dobson (TimD), Andy Halsall (AndyH), Alex Hudson (AlexH), Rob Kendric (RobK), Dave Page (DaveP), Simon Ward (SimonW), Jonathan (jonathanD), and others.
Minutes taken by SimonW.
Other Free Software Groups
- AndyH mentioned getting a similar free software group going in Sheffield.
- DaveP said there was a wider goal of getting more free software groups going around the country.
Free Software Groups vs other groups
- Less technical, more about using and working with free software.
- the consensus was that the other groups around, such as ManLUG, do a pretty good job of covering technical aspects of free software, even if they are not primarily free software groups.
- Core Aim: Promote free software.
- The main target was seen as the general public, the average computer user.
- We also talk about businesses and free software. We would like to see more businesses involved with free software.
Venues
- MDDA — hears in June about getting more funding. Otherwise we may need an alternate venue.
- RobK said he would ask about a lecture room/theatre at MMU.
- DaveP suggested town hall + Town Hall Tavern.
ACTION: RobK to ask about lecture room availability at MMU.
Speakers
- Need to research. None felt “in” to the free software world enough to suggest who to ask.
- AndyH suggested keeping a list of possible speakers.
- DaveP later suggested a public wiki.
Topics
- Free software (primary)
- Media?
- Culture?
- DRM?
- Specifically:
- BBC iPlayer person.
- Somebody from BBC about Dirac.
Free Software Group Tasks
- Finding people [to speak/advocate]
- Publicising
- Getting people to listen
Advocacy
- Examples: Software Freedom Day events, handing out leaflets
- DaveP suggested getting together some bootable CDs or similar into the Central Library for Software Freedom Day. [This has already been suggested on list].
- The aim is to get the public using free software.
- Not necessarily setting up an organisation to support, but more a publicity stunt to keep visible.
- AlexH: Get the low hanging, high impact fruit
- AndyH: [things like leafletting, publicity stunts] not a good approach
- AlexH: They are not the only things you do.
- DaveP: Need to get people involved and keep them.
- AndyH: How many people are interested in the first place?
- AlexH: Two things needed:
- Enough mass.
- How many … ? [Illegible]
Free Software Foundation
- Poor show in the UK so far.
- Not getting involved with something just because of the name (or lack of. E.g. Linux, without GNU.) — something we might want to avoid.
Business
- Get interest through Manchester Small Business
- Where can I find a directory of businesses supporting or providing free software?
- [name of a directory] — AndyH thought it was mostly London based
- RobK suggests Manchester seems to prefer local business
Actions / Responsibilities
- ACTION: RobK to ask about lecture room availability at MMU.
- ACTION: SimonW to ask Matt about things currently organised.
- AndyH — Speakers
- TimD — Web site, announcements
- DaveP — Venues, media relations
Back to Manchester/2008-03-18
