[wplug] open source distribution mission

[Henry Umansky]

I don't believe the point is to "disrupt" the conference.  The way Beth 
Lynn describes the KGB event is just a little get together, or a little 
conference of our own.  I don't think we will be harassing the Gates 
conference folks with Linux propaganda.  We are just showing the "other" 
side of computer operating systems.  As long as I don't hear a "Down With 
Microsoft" chant at the get together, I will be happy.

-Henry

--On Monday, February 16, 2004 1:51 PM -0500 "Weber, Larry A" 
<laweber at switch.com> wrote:r

> If the plan here is to actively disrupt a conference then as a responsible
> leader you need to clearly state that.  Is this type of activity supported
> by the board and members?  With all of the bad press associated with the
> attacks on SCO is this a wise way to seek press coverage?  Is introducing
> a few people to Linux really worth what we risk?
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From:	Beth Lynn [SMTP:bethlynn at wplug.org]
>> Sent:	Monday, February 16, 2004 12:05 PM
>> To:	wplug at wplug.org
>> Subject:	Re: [wplug] open source distribution mission
>>
>> Hello,
>>
>> Sorry I still have to be unspecific but I will attempt to respond to the
>> questions and concerns.
>>
>> > So how does open source, Linux or wplug gain from this?
>> Open Source benefit:
>> Those will receive a CD with some sort of open source foo will be exposed
>> to something that is open source that the may not have known to even
>> exist.
>> There is a wide an wonderful world of open source out there! It may peak
>> curiosity in Open Source in general.
>> Linux benefit:
>> Surely some of the CDs collected will have Linux on them and it would be
>> exposing those who receive it to Linux. I'm hoping for Live CDs since
>> they're on one CD and people can try without commitment.
>> WPLUG benefit:
>> WPLUG gets any left over media which will hopefully build WPLUGs library
>> of open source software. It is also a publicity stunt for WPLUG.
>> Hopefully
>>
>> we'll get some press over it.
>>
>>
>> > done correctly, it can give more exposure to opensource/free software
>> > by exposing people to alternatives they might have never know about.
>> Exactly, that's why we are getting started now. This is part of the
>> motivation for variety. Part of the point is open source is too big
>> to be ignored and it is not going away.
>>
>>
>> > Except that this seems like it is for a select few.  Who are they?  Why
>> > don't they care about which distros are being handed out?  Is this a
>> > meeting in support of open source or are we there for agiprop?
>> (agitprop)
>> Sorry, I can't give away any the the specifics as to who or what the
>> meeting is about unless you are volunteering to be an active participant
>> and promise to keep mum. I'd expect there to be a mixed crowd of geeks
>> and non geeks. It is a political statement in favor of open source. The
>> area in question is rather public so I'm sure other curious passers-by
>> will be able to receive open source goodness.
>>
>> > Of course, done incorrectly and it makes the opensource/free software
>> > community look like a disorganized mess.
>> Variety is part of the point as explained above. The only uniform
>> attributes that are required is that each CD has open source and that
>> there will be a WPLUG business card in each CD sleeve.
>> Another motivation for not picking a specific distro is to avoid a
>> problem that I witnessed years ago. Some folks at Pitt wanted to convince
>> computer services to distribute Linux since they distribute other pieces
>> of software under a university-wide licensing agreement. Everyone could
>> not agree on a distro so it never happened. People get too excited about
>> debian vs redhat or Linux vs BSD for that matter and the target just
>> ruins the overall goal. I didn't want to see that happen here.
>> Unfortunately, the lack of standardization has sidetracked us anyway.
>> I'm not opposed to standardizing on something if everyone just happens to
>> agree. If properly done, variety can be creative instead of a
>> disorganized mess. I hope that people will be inclined to burn something
>> that would be useful to the general public but I suppose it is an
>> individual judgment call. This project
>> http://web.mit.edu/jonas/www/faim/whatislinux.pdf is the inspiration but
>> perhaps it would be even better if we weren't complete copy cats.
>>
>> > Considering the time frame involved, it would be difficult to put
>> together
>> > something coherent, unless someone already had something ready.
>> I admit the time constraint is a concern and part of the motivation for
>> the concept of "I don't care, just make it open source" If someone is
>> looking for a suggestion, Knoppix please.
>> I don't know how else to assure you folks that everything will be fine
>> regardless if we give out random open source foo or if we standardize on
>> something. The point is that we do something and concentrate on the other
>> aspects being organized without getting bogged down with what to choose.
>> If we end up with 200 copies of Knoppix I'd be over joyed. But isn't
>> the point of open source about freedom of individuality for the benefit
>> of the community rather than having an organization tell you what to do?
>>
>> > Hell, if you want to impress, you'd probably be better off putting
>> > together a powerpoint presentation of what's available than actually
>> > giving away the software.
>> We will not have the opportunity to have the same captive audience.
>> We could give a similar talk that's at the same venue and is open to
>> the general public but that's not much different than what we do at
>> WPLUG meetings anyway. The cost of renting this venue may be over $150
>> anyhow. If cost is the issue, I don't mind paying for all the materials
>> myself but I was just offering others a way to contribute and share the
>> burden.
>> Part of the point is that this is FREE software and that we can give
>> away this freely without any pirating.
>>
>> > If we're talking about the event I, um, think we are, it seems to be an
>> > event for computer scientists and software engineers.  I would think
>> > that these people for the most part would already know all about linux
>> > and how to get it.
>> No. that assumption is false. As I said before, its a group of geeks and
>> non-geeks. Yes, some might already be running Linux at home. Perhaps if
>> we have variety we can give someone a choice as to what they receive.
>>
>> > I'm afraid something like this would be seen as simply an attempt to
>> piss
>> > off the speaker.  Not that that's a bad thing.
>> I think you are on the right track.
>>
>> In summary, please please please contribute! I assure you the mission
>> will be a success regardless if we standardize on anything in particular.
>> How about this: Knoppix is strongly recommended but I don't have the
>> heart to reject any open source foo. If you feel strongly for
>> standardization, burn Knoppix. If you are strongly opposed to Knoppix,
>> feel free to burn something else. WPLUG could use some more variety in
>> it's library so nothing will go to waste. It is to WPLUG's benefit to
>> have this stuff in stock since we've been talking about making a computer
>> show appearance. If you are interested in burning something send me
>> mail and let me know if you'll need media or will you be providing your
>> own.
>>
>> Thank you so much for your interest. This is going to be the best
>> ever with all of your help.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Beth Lynn
>>
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