2007August01
Meeting Details
Date: Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Location: IRC: #ubuntu-maryland on freenode.
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm (meeting may end earlier, but no later)
Agenda
- Update on Software Freedom Day activities planning
Discussion on OpsTeam leadership
IRC Log
<rhoderickj> There has to be more than 30 Ubuntu users/enthusiasts in Maryland. We just have to find a way to reach them. <Biovore> oO <parma_> easily. <parma_> more than 30, I mean. <rhoderickj> The other day I was walking through the grocery store wearing my Ubuntu shirt and someone stopped me and asked if I used Ubuntu, I told him I did and that he should join the LoCo team. I don't think he knew what I was talking about. lol. <rhoderickj> I got the impression he was questioning himself, "What teams? Ubuntu has teams? Is it the same Ubuntu I'm thinking of?" <chuckf> Well at least there are people who know what to look for <Biovore> yeah.. thats a problem.. Or people don't really care to get that involved.. <chuckf> Biovore, I think that that's the problem is getting people to participate <parma_> In a big enough population, we can get enough to roll up their sleeves. <parma_> Building the population is first. <parma_> but that's doable, I think. <rhoderickj> It seems that roughly half of our members participate regularly. I imagine that ratio isn't too bad actually. <chuckf> It is doable, it's getting people to make a different choice that's difficult <chuckf> About half do participate, but from the meetings it doesn't always seem to be the same half either <parma_> I don't think there have been enough yet to draw any conclusions. <parma_> For instance, I've missed two out of, I think 4 <parma_> but that shouldn't be an indicator long term <JulianC> This group is still in a relatively early stage (even though we've done quite a bit already). Is the current goal more participating members or more exposure in the community? <chuckf> I'm not blaming, it's just the short term observations <chuckf> JulianC, it's both <parma_> I' <chuckf> one will hopefully follow the other <rhoderickj> Julian, did you join yet? <parma_> that's what I was going to say, <Biovore> well people who are most into this kinda of stuff are college students.. Should push at the colleges <rhoderickj> Biovore: Agreed. <Biovore> I know at capitol-college they have there own dedicated ubuntu/debian mirror.. <parma_> I think there are a number of populations that I'd consider "low hanging fruit" <parma_> College kids would be one of them <parma_> The over 50 crowd is another. <Biovore> well Today's college student's could be tomarrows leader.. <JulianC> Haven't joined on Launchpad yet. I'm still trying to figure out how involved I can be. <chuckf> I think the college kids have to find a way to use Ubuntu in their daily work <chuckf> And their daily play <chuckf> JulianC, You can join on the launchpad team to show your support <JulianC> A lot of major universities already have LUGs, but the smaller colleges usually don't have such a group. <parma_> We had a couple of high school kids at one of our meetings, but they weren't there last time. <chuckf> I know when I was involved with the UMBC LUG years ago it was a small crowd <rhoderickj> JulianC: You've attended at least one meeting, and you've attended an install fest. I think that's enough to join. :) Just because you join doesn't mean you <Biovore> yeah.. capitol-college is the same way.. <rhoderickj> JulianC: ...doesn't mean you'll have to show up all the time or bust your hump. <parma_> So, do we have an agenda tonite? <chuckf> The agenda is Install Fest and SFD <chuckf> Are there any ideas on SFD for presentations? <Biovore> what kind of stuff would people be intressed in.. <parma_> which audience, specifically? <Biovore> ^ better question.. <parma_> non-linux users? or each other? <Biovore> lamens probably.. <chuckf> Well I'm thinking non-linux users at this point <chuckf> as it will be at the library <Biovore> yeah.. basics of unix and understanding whats going on.. <parma_> and this would be during an install fest? <rhoderickj> Are we sure that we want to try to do both simultaneously? <chuckf> I don't even think 'basics of unix' I'm thinking of demoing apps <rhoderickj> Judging by the last install fest, chaos is expected, and I don't think the atmosphere is very good for a presentations <parma_> I wasn't at the last fest. What's the noise level? <chuckf> rhoderickj, I'd like to have a section for the curious to observe <Biovore> eye candy then? <Biovore> beryl - compfusion stuff? <rhoderickj> Oh, so you're thinking of something simple? Like a demo station? <chuckf> that type of thing, yes <chuckf> or stations with different things <JulianC> I've seen this model work with great success. <parma_> but during the install fest, no? <chuckf> parma_, yes, during the install fest. One side installs, one demos <parma_> ok. same room? <Biovore> well maybe needs some propoganda on why you should use free software.. people don't really get this yet.. <Biovore> why is it good/better then windows and other propriatary OSes <chuckf> parma_, perhaps. We may be able to annex some extra space <parma_> I'm asking these logistical questions because the ambient noise level will dictate the type of <JulianC> Or provide some really good real-world examples of common use of open source software. <parma_> presentation. <JulianC> The venue for that day is perfect for this. <chuckf> Biovore, I agree with the propaganda angle <parma_> For instance, a speaker with an overhead vs. many small setups that people browse. <rhoderickj> parma_: I think you had a good point at the last meeting. We should focus at first on open formats and explain the fundamental differences between proprietary and open source file formats, etc. <chuckf> parma_, I <chuckf> m thinking overhead is a bit overkill for my thinking unless it's a running slide show <Biovore> show case open office? <parma_> clearly the presentation needs to mesh with the venue. But, for instance, Josh, we can't effectively <chuckf> that's one idea, but keep in mind that the library is already a showcase to some degree <parma_> explain file formats at little stations. <JulianC> I have not yet visited the East Columbia Library. Do we know how much space we will have to work with? <parma_> Otoh, a stand up presentation won't be very effective with 30 people trying to install OSs right in the middle of it. <Biovore> yeah.. its more about short quick illistrations.. <rhoderickj> parma_: That's what I was thinking. I believe they need to be separate. <chuckf> I was hoping to get there today but couldn't make it <parma_> How much time do we have on that day? <chuckf> I think I schedule from 1 hour after opening to one hour before close so we have set up time <chuckf> the schedule is for the public, we have the entire day <parma_> Wow. That sounds like a marathon. <parma_> Maybe we can do both. <chuckf> well it's open from 10-5 if I recall correctly <parma_> Well that's 5 hours. <parma_> How long did the last fest take? <JulianC> 9-6 on Saturdays. <rhoderickj> I think the last one was 5 or 6 hours <chuckf> we got there 9:30ish and left at 4 <rhoderickj> We didn't get there early enough to set up though <chuckf> 'kicking' people out the door about 3 <parma_> Get any new recruits there? <chuckf> there were some new faces <Biovore> <-- <parma_> Good deal. <Biovore> I found out you all existed there.. <parma_> We are EVERYWHERE. <parma_> We shall assimilate you. <Biovore> I ussualy hang out in #kubuntu and answer questions.. been doing that since dapper.. <rhoderickj> lol <chuckf> one of those 'K' users <Biovore> yup * Biovore like QT4 <chuckf> we'll keep you anyway <rhoderickj> Aye. <Biovore> like a mutated fish hehe.. <Biovore> :-P <chuckf> hehe <parma_> So, Chuck, did you say that two rooms might be available? <chuckf> well I'm not sure if we'll be able to get more or not <chuckf> it depends on the turnout and what else may be going on there that weekend <parma_> How did it come to be located there? <chuckf> However Amy, Luis, and the culture there are open to the Ubuntu ideas <chuckf> They had the room <parma_> If we don't have a separate space, I'd recommend against a "presentation" during the install fest. <rhoderickj> Personally, I don't think we should do an install fest for SFD. <chuckf> presentation as in demos or overhead presentation <rhoderickj> I think we should go pure informational <rhoderickj> And give away CDs of course <parma_> what's informational mean? <chuckf> I'm not sure that we can change the install fest at this point <parma_> except we have those machines from the library, right? <chuckf> I think it's in the library publication <chuckf> we do have those, yes <parma_> The problem I see with demos is that you don't reach many people at a time. <JulianC> If we're going to be doing demos, which systems would we use? <parma_> Presentations are way more efficient. <parma_> overhead, I mean. <rhoderickj> Informational = Presentations/demos/etc. <parma_> I see. <parma_> Well, I think we can do both, just not in the same room <chuckf> Well I just saw this on the calendar: <chuckf> http://host.evanced.info/hclibrary/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=15049&rts=&disptype=&ret=eventcalendar.asp&pointer=&returnToSearch=&SignupType=&num=0&ad=&dt=mo&mo=9/1/2007&df=calendar&EventType=ALL&Lib=1&AgeGroup=ALL&LangType=0&WindowMode=&noheader=&lad= <parma_> ok, that's greek in xchat. <rhoderickj> As much as I enjoy an install fest, it completely monopolizes our time and energy. I think we'd have more success with hosting an open room with multiple demo stations and free CDs with presentations. <chuckf> it's a link <chuckf> http://tinyurl.com/37en5z <parma_> I'm with Josh on this, although I recognize the preexisting problem. <chuckf> forgot I had tinyurl <rhoderickj> Hmm... So they've already announced an install fest? <rhoderickj> Is that what I'm seeing? :) <chuckf> yes <chuckf> because that is what we decided at the June meeting when the ad had to be in the next day <rhoderickj> Okay, then I suggest we do one of two things: 1) Either abandon presentations in any real sense; or 2) Break up the team into two separate groups with two separate rooms and do both simultaenously <rhoderickj> I just don't think they'll play well together <chuckf> I'll see about a second room * dsmith_ (n=dsmith@c-76-114-154-224.hsd1.md.comcast.net) has joined #ubuntu-maryland <rhoderickj> Unless we did installs from, say, 10 - 2, and presentations from 2 - 3 or something <chuckf> rhoderickj, i like that idea <parma_> Yes, that * dsmith_ has quit (Remote closed the connection) <parma_> would work. * dsmith_ (n=dsmith@c-76-114-154-224.hsd1.md.comcast.net) has joined #ubuntu-maryland <chuckf> and maybe install 10-2:30 then 3-5 presentations <JulianC> Maybe a few installees might allow their systems to serve as a demo machine for a few minutes after a successful install. <rhoderickj> chuckf: That sounds good. <chuckf> gives us a little break as well <JulianC> That would require more successful installs, though. <parma_> Again, though, demos only reach 2 or 3 at a time. <chuckf> parma_, if we go with this plan, we can do group demos <rhoderickj> parma_: Unless you have a digital projector :) <parma_> how are group demos done? <chuckf> rhoderickj, I think we can get one from the library <rhoderickj> chuckf: If not, I'm sure we can rent one for the day <chuckf> well I'm thinking maybe a lightening talk situation <parma_> huh? <chuckf> each speaker gets 10-15 minutes to do a presetation on a topic <parma_> oh, I see. <chuckf> unless we have something/someone that wants to go longer <parma_> I think we need to pick our target audience. <parma_> That way we can tailor the presentation <chuckf> I'm thinking the general user <parma_> potential windows refugee? <chuckf> the idea of Ubuntu is 'Linux for Humans' <rhoderickj> parma_: You have a good point about the audience. We could end up preaching to the choir... or scaring the hell out of newbies. <chuckf> parma_, that type, yes <chuckf> and those that might want to dig a little deeper, give them a tease <chuckf> but I don't want a presentation on the TCP stack <parma_> yep <parma_> We can pull this off, I think. <chuckf> I know we can if we get the audience <parma_> I'm thinking 45 mins, with overhead screen AND HANDOUT. <parma_> Must have handout to take with them <JulianC> Personalization of the desktop might be a good demo. <parma_> Otherwise too much to digest in one sitting. <Biovore> yeah <Biovore> kiba-dock maybe.. <chuckf> 45 minutes total? I'm thinking let the talks go for 2 hours and announce the schedule <JulianC> It's a computing task that users at all levels of expertise do at some point. <parma_> Way too long for new people to digest. <chuckf> people can come for what they want, and drop in and out of otheres <rhoderickj> chuckf: Do you really think we can get that many presentations together in a few weeks? <parma_> Well, again, depends on the target aud. <chuckf> well we don't have to announce the entire schedule for a few weeks <rhoderickj> Besides, I admit it: I'm terrified of public speaking and you'd have to pull my teeth to get me to do it. :) Do you think we'll have enough volunteer speakers for this? <parma_> And, nothing says we can't repeat the same thing a couple of times. <chuckf> parma_, true <parma_> I speak in front of people all the time. <chuckf> rhoderickj, I'll be up there <chuckf> for at least one <JulianC> At the last install fest, people were there for an average of 2-3 hours, right? <rhoderickj> parma_: I can tell by the way you speak at the meetings. You're a great public speaker. <rhoderickj> Chuck too <chuckf> and I'm like you, I don't like it, but it's for the 'greater good' :) <chuckf> besides, a group like this is friendly <parma_> Get people in the room, and we can do this. <rhoderickj> parma_: Would you like to be the OpsTeam leader for the Presentations team? <parma_> Already volunteered at last mtg. <rhoderickj> Right on. I was just making sure that I didn't dream that. <rhoderickj> :) <parma_> Never suggest solutions unless you're willing to be volunteered. <parma_> Learned that in the marines! <chuckf> that's true <chuckf> I'm also working some local lugs and previous lug speakers for volunteers as well <rhoderickj> lol <parma_> The presentations team should talk specifics offline between now and the next in-your-face meeting <rhoderickj> Agreed. <parma_> maybe we can do another irc chat <chuckf> that's easy enough <rhoderickj> Same for the install fest team <rhoderickj> I think we really need to break up the responsibility by the opsteams so we each know our responsibilities <rhoderickj> err... that was a recursive statement but you get the point <chuckf> yeah <parma_> Hey chuck, did you ever catch up with Mr Hastings for his email address? <parma_> He had some good points I'd like to take advantage of. <chuckf> I sent him an email the other day, have not heard back <parma_> Hmmm. <parma_> Windows pain points, for example. <chuckf> I'll send a follow up tonight <chuckf> one thing that I don't want to focus on is the 'windows is evil' mantra <parma_> Nah. Not necessary. <chuckf> I understand the pain points, but hopefully you get my evil line <parma_> Of course. Besides, it's Microsoft that's evil, not windows! <chuckf> unless you were told that you're running a pirated copy :) <chuckf> after paying for it <parma_> I consider it low hanging fruit to introduce people to an OS that doesn't require them to by McAfee, for instance <chuckf> that is a plus <parma_> Surf without spyware <parma_> All kinds of advantages <parma_> AND FREE * CraigYounkins (n=xxx@c-69-138-194-105.hsd1.md.comcast.net) has joined #ubuntu-maryland <CraigYounkins> <_< <chuckf> the Free should be focused on <parma_> For newbies, free as in beer is more important than free as in speech. <chuckf> CraigYounkins, arent you hacking out in vegas? <JulianC> But we have to make sure that they know it's free as in kittens. <CraigYounkins> chuckf: Er... well. <_< I lost track of my days. i fly out Friday <JulianC> But the maintenance is easier. <CraigYounkins> sorry about that. <parma_> Later on, the free as in speech begins to matter more. <chuckf> true <chuckf> CraigYounkins, that's right you're doing defcon, not blackhat <rhoderickj> Also, it's important to point out the package system. I think that's one Linux's greatest advantages. No searching for apps via the internet; and the apps you DO find are reputable because they're packaged by MOTUs for Ubuntu. <parma_> right-on. <parma_> That isn't even on people's radar screen. <chuckf> rhoderickj, that is important and maybe we can demo installing a new package <chuckf> from 'find the app in synaptic to installing and demoing <CraigYounkins> chuckf: The hat I wear is many colors. <rhoderickj> chuckf: good idea. <parma_> They don't know they miss it, because it's unheard-of. <parma_> but they'll WANT it. <chuckf> they will <chuckf> So what else do we need to cover? <rhoderickj> Do we have leaders yet for the Marketing Team and Install Fest team? <rhoderickj> Craig: I nominate you for install fest. You rock. <CraigYounkins> lol thanks, I nominate myself too :P <parma_> Second <chuckf> cool, it's passed then <rhoderickj> What about marketing? <parma_> And in writing too. <rhoderickj> :) <CraigYounkins> the one thing I need help with is physically managing the GX100 machines the library is giving us <chuckf> CraigYounkins, do you know if John wants to co-chair with you on this? <CraigYounkins> probably does. and he's quite welcome to! <JulianC> How many GX100s again? I forgot the quantity. <rhoderickj> If any team has two leaders, it should definitely be the install fest team <chuckf> if John wants it I suggest we give it to him as he did a lot for us <CraigYounkins> we never got an exact could JulianC, it was about 60 or so. <rhoderickj> agreed <parma_> What's the matter with the GX100s? <CraigYounkins> well, i'm working out an imaging system for them <CraigYounkins> first problem is i think i've got a bad one. <chuckf> CraigYounkins, what kind of help do you need? <CraigYounkins> second, we need to get them out of the library to store them <chuckf> I thought luis could store those, not the monitors <CraigYounkins> i really have no idea. i need contact info for him... i don't think i have it. <chuckf> CraigYounkins, If i dont' email you with it by the end of the night, ping me <CraigYounkins> OK. <CraigYounkins> are we registered for SFD <chuckf> yes <chuckf> last week <rhoderickj> By the way, I want to remind everyone to USE THE WIKI. Especially the opsteam pages. That's what it's there for. It's a great organizational tool to keep us up on our TODO list. <CraigYounkins> great, we are getting free crap? <chuckf> rhoderickj, good point <chuckf> CraigYounkins, I don't know <chuckf> CraigYounkins, If it shows up, then yes <Biovore> hmm free crap.. <parma_> worth every penny <parma_> What's next? <rhoderickj> Install fest photos are up: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MarylandTeam/Events/InstallFests/2007July21 <CraigYounkins> heh, just looking at those <chuckf> you got the info I take it? <parma_> Cool <CraigYounkins> chuckf: Give a few of us forum admin power please. <rhoderickj> chuckf: Yeah, I got it. Thanks. <rhoderickj> I second Craig's notion. <chuckf> CraigYounkins, I'm waiting on info <CraigYounkins> lol Josh you make this a constant democracy. it's great. <rhoderickj> ha. I'm not saying it formally... that's how I talk. Online anyway. :) <CraigYounkins> what about a lead for Marketing <rhoderickj> I don't think we have enough folk here to decide on a marketing leader <CraigYounkins> obviously, that team will be working closely with mine. <rhoderickj> I'd take the job myself but I'm already leading the Web team and I don't think two teams should have the same leader <chuckf> it will, yes <CraigYounkins> good deal <CraigYounkins> what about going to the East library branch? <chuckf> rhoderickj, if you want the task, feel free to take it <CraigYounkins> Will we have enough space, power, etc? <rhoderickj> chuckf: Maybe I will for now. <chuckf> CraigYounkins, I'm going this week <rhoderickj> chuckf: Regardless of who's leading, I'll do whatever's necessary to help out. <parma_> That's the spirit. <CraigYounkins> yeah i guess i should get down there <chuckf> rhoderickj, I'm not pushing you to do it, but as it is vacant and if you want a name tonight, it's you <parma_> Second! <CraigYounkins> i dunno i kind of agree with Josh <parma_> Nothing needs to be permanent <CraigYounkins> two teams with the same leader defeats the purpose of separate teams.. <chuckf> CraigYounkins, we can always name someone new next week if they step up <rhoderickj> I'll be the ACTING leader, until someone else takes the position. <parma_> exactly <CraigYounkins> lol OK <chuckf> CraigYounkins, no, because the volunteers may be different <parma_> Ok, in the next couple of days, I'm going to post on the wiki (if I can figure out how) an outline <parma_> for presenting to windows refugees <parma_> We can flesh out the topics as we go and develop <rhoderickj> parma_: Sounds good. Don't be afraid to contact me if you need any help wikifying your stuff. <chuckf> parma_, remember that there may already be wiki pages on that topic in the rest of the site <parma_> Yeah. I'm sure I'm going to flail about some. <dsmith_> whats going on <parma_> Good point Chuck <chuckf> hi dsmith_ <dsmith_> MN state bridge collapsed :( <chuckf> if the efforts are already out there, don't duplicate them is my motto <rhoderickj> I have more work to do on the opsteam wikis. I've already found a bunch of helpful links for each team and I'll be posting them in the next few days. <CraigYounkins> Josh thank you for all your work on the wiki. I stink at 'em and really appreciate your work <rhoderickj> CraigYounkins: You're welcome. I'm glad to help. <dsmith_> hi chuck <dsmith_> and everyone else <CraigYounkins> hi <rhoderickj> hi <parma_> hi <rhoderickj> Do we have anything else to discuss? <JulianC> Logo? <rhoderickj> Yeah, that's a good point. In case anyone didn't catch it, there's a thread in the forums about a team logo <CraigYounkins> we... need a logo? <rhoderickj> No, we don't need one. <dsmith_> dont make this too complicated <dsmith_> KISS <rhoderickj> It's really a way to build espirit <chuckf> well if someone comes up with one or more, great * dsmith_ wonders how long it was before Apple had a logo <chuckf> I like the idea of a logo, but like so much else I'm not stressed over it <rhoderickj> Take a look at the thread in the forums if you're interested in what's already been discussed logo-wise <parma_> I'm graphically challenged. <CraigYounkins> yeah i think we have bigger things to worry about <rhoderickj> Yes, I don't think anyone considers a logo to be a priority <CraigYounkins> we really need to start advertising *now* <chuckf> And if my brother gets some time he said that he'll try to whip something up <rhoderickj> I was going to give it a go just to learn GIMP <chuckf> however don't hold your breath for that one <JulianC> I looked for the standard logos... <CraigYounkins> we have a month and a half 'till this install fest... chuck please send me an email about the place and anything different that we'll need this time. tables, chairs? <CraigYounkins> after you visit it i mean <CraigYounkins> you did explicitly reserve the place didn't ya? <chuckf> CraigYounkins, I'll let you know, and it's on the library's calendar <chuckf> http://tinyurl.com/37en5z <CraigYounkins> Start Time: 10:00 PM <CraigYounkins> End Time: 5:00 AM <CraigYounkins> GG <parma_> Whoops! <parma_> Sorry, I can't make it after all. <CraigYounkins> lol <chuckf> it's a nighttime campout thing <chuckf> ! <parma_> Need my beauty sleep <chuckf> parma_, yeah, we'll miss you but we'll be happy you slept <CraigYounkins> uh... huh... <chuckf> :) <parma_> he he <rhoderickj> Dude, who brought the doughnuts last time? * chuckf did <rhoderickj> Nice! <chuckf> the krispy kremes <rhoderickj> Thanks for that. They were awesome. I hope we see more doughnuts at the next event. <rhoderickj> ;) <chuckf> JulianC brought the holes <CraigYounkins> we'll have to decide if we're doing food for everyone or just us. <rhoderickj> Oh, I didn't see any holes. <chuckf> rhoderickj, I plan to get them again <rhoderickj> How do you do the emote thing? <dsmith_> 10 pm to 5 am? <JulianC> I would go more with snacks. <chuckf> CraigYounkins, I'm thinking of doing the same pizza type thing if the crowd's the same size <JulianC> Many installees will likely not be there all day. <rhoderickj> Pizza worked out well <CraigYounkins> chuckf: Well, i'm hoping it will be quite a bit bigger, especially if we are giving away these computers! <chuckf> rhoderickj, emote thing? <dsmith_> wow.. * chuckf like this emote thing? <parma_> Website says $50 each <rhoderickj> chuckf: yes, that thing <dsmith_> talk about late night partying <CraigYounkins> / me <parma_> wtf? Usage: ME <action>, sends the action to the current channel (actions are written in the 3rd person, like /me jumps) <chuckf> rhoderickj, type /me whatever * rhoderickj drools <rhoderickj> Oh, okay <rhoderickj> Now I am empowered <dsmith_> heh * rhoderickj is empowered. <chuckf> parma_, that's not my choice, it's a library thing <dsmith_> reminds me of college <CraigYounkins> um so are we gonna get the time fixed? <rhoderickj> CraigYounkins, are we giving away the computers at the install fest? <chuckf> parma_, I'll see how firm that price it <chuckf> s/it/is <chuckf> CraigYounkins, yeah <rhoderickj> It's going to be a busy day <chuckf> and fun
MarylandTeam/Meetings/2007August01 (last edited 2008-08-06 16:33:54 by localhost)