Hey all... just found your discussions on HB1197 via Google. Joined the list (I've avoided LUG mailing lists in the last few years, after being in charge of a LUG out west for a few years... taking a break from LUGging for a while. My other techno creds include some minor Linux kernel driver patches, Debian involvement for a bit, patches on a variety of other code, and most of the usual suspects)
I've read most of the discussion (and thanks to whomever wikied the gist of the subcommittee meeting, as I was unable to attend it that day, and was curious what happened. I gave testimony at the public hearing and was well received there.) It's my understanding that HB1197 is moving forward, which is a good thing, and far from over in the process... If anyone is interested in helping, and learning how our State Legislature works, I'd be glad for the help, and I guarantee you will learn a lot about the process. The reason HB1197 exists is that I wanted to see what can be done here, based on the lessons learned in Oregon (I was involved behind the scenes in spurring that effort forward, I first connected the bill author and the legislator who first sponsored the bill) and all similar efforts since... I do believe here in NH, we can make this happen. Small steps... the goal is not to 'require' but to balance the scales: nobody ever got fired for buying Microsoft/IBM, and thus nobody is willing to consider 'free' software, when they can spend the taxpayer money and be job secure despite the cost. A Study committee is the correct first step: There is plenty of data to collect, and a report will clearly show and summarize the issues, and the cost saving potentials as well as the open data aspects. When a Study comes back with a postive result and ideas based on the mountains of data out there, everything from Oregon's testimony to Texas, to NYC, to Peru, to the various OpenGov/ OpenData/ CostSaving style stuff mentioned on Slashdot every few weeks, to most recently Massachusett's OpenDocument decision (and the resulting lobbying/etc)... it will be easier (but not easy) to get an 'open source' and/or "open data" bill that will mean something, and withstand any lobbyists efforts to derail it. What we don't want: widespread 'NH is passing an open source bill!' discussion/argument/etc in the media... this is only for a study committee, and it needs to stay that way, for better long term success. Again, anyone interested in helping, feel free to contact me offlist, and I'll coordinate. Experience is not necessary, all training will be provided. Being able to translate geekspeek into legislativespeak is helpful but not required... You will learn legisgeek speak quick enough. The next 'public' step (assuming this passes the House, which is has not done yet) will be in the Senate, for another public hearing. When/if that happens, sheer body count does matter, as does good testimony... more when it's a reality. Seth _______________________________________________ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
