[clug] SFD - Canberra - Post event report

[Robert Edwards]

On 19/09/10 21:17, Daniel Black wrote:
> I'd like to thank Linux Australia for their decision to fund the Software
> Freedom Day at a computer fair ($140 though the grants program).
>
> The day attracted 7 volunteers the majority of which attended the market from
> 10am opening time until a ~2:30pm close. In this time we talked to ~300 (very
> rough estimate) people about software freedom.
>
> Some comments talking to people are:
> * there were a considerable number already using a free/open source operating
> systems predominately Linux
> * few expressed any major disatification with Linux
> * questions related to disatisification seem to:
>   * choice paralysis - there's so much linux to choose from
>   * hardware specific issues (e.g. 3G USB devices);
>   * dependance on an application Photoshop/games; or
>   * disatisification that relate to low software quality and design (that isn't
> FOSS specific).
> * A number of visitors where keen to give Linux a go and expressed pain about
> their current lack of freedoms as a deciding factor.
>
> Some metrics:
> * 14 people signed up to the canberra linux users group via a paper signup
> list and a number expessed an interest in participating whilst not signing up;
> * 7 people signed up to an interest to come to an install fest on the 25th to
> assist them installing linux and a number of others expressed a desire to
> attend.
>
> Over 24 Tuz (LCA2009) where given away covering what we believe to be every
> child (and a few significantly older children) that walked through the place
> (and was interested with parental concent). Many LCA09 t-shirts, notepads and
> bags were given away.
>
> 50+ CD were given away - predominately Ubuntu 10.04 burned onto Linux
> Australia CDs. A few OpenCDs (well DVDs) where also given away.
>
> The giving spirit propergated to a nearby stall holder who donated free CD
> sleeves and this will be used with the remaining LA blank CDs for future
> events.
>
> A OLPC was displayed and recognised a reasonable number of stall visitors. A
> reasonable number of people were curious supsequently impressed at the quality
> and cost of the device and its philanthropic cause.
>
> Further questions welcome offlist. I'll post a summary of Q&A to the LA list
> only rather than answer every question on-list or further cross-posting.
>
> Thanks for all the volunteers, those that attended, those that participated in
> the leadup that made this happen, and thanks Linux Australia for your funding
> and material stock.
>
> Daniel Black
> (organiser SFD Canberra)

And a huge thanks from the Canberra FOSS community to yourself, Toby and 
Lana for organising the stall and making it look great (and buying
the lollies...).

Cheers,

Bob Edwards.