[Marketing] Small blurb on pcworld
Just wanted to give a heads up that in this article in pcworld about alternate OS's he says that OpenOffice.org worked remarkably well. You'll find it in the xandros section. http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,121774,00.asp -- Adam Moore Community Volunteer OOo blog: AdamMooreOOo.blogspot.com - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
On Tue, 2005-08-16 at 20:47 +0100, Daniel Carrera wrote: > > It depends on where you send it. Different outlets have different > > standards, and there is a gray area, as you recognize. However, in > > general, the more that a media outlet prides itself on doing journalism, > > the more likely it would be considered a news release. > > Okay. Where do you think Newsforge lies? Since I've been writing regularly for Newsforge for some months, I feel safe in saying that Robin Miller emphasizes journalism as strongly as he can, and that the staff feels the same way. By contrast, Linux Today seems more willing to publish news releases while marking them as such. > Davide just proposed that we invite Eva Lichtenberger, a Member of the > European Parliamentvery who was active in the campain against software > patents, to give a keynote at OOoCon. Would that be newsworthy without > being a press release? It looks like it to me :-) The announcement wouldn't be news, although her keynote probably would be. What I would suggest is, when she is confirmed, drop a note to media outlets (or to any journalist you've had contact with - and, yes, this is a hint), and help arrange for an interview with her, either as part of a larger story, as you suggest, or as a story in itself. During the course of the interview, it would be very natural to mention that she is speaking at OOoCon. In this way, everyone would win. OOo would get the exposure in the news that it wants, and the media outlet or journalist would get a good story. As an aside, when I was doing PR for high-tech companies, I kept a spreadsheet on all the journalist with whom I dealt. Besides including their contact information, I kept a record of interactions with them, the stories they wrote, and what subjects they were interested in. With this information, I could contact the right people for each story I was trying to get out. -- Bruce Byfield 604-421-7177 http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield "Inspiration and craft plus time and effort minus fear and doubt multiplied by purpose equals song." - Ray Wylie Hubbard. - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
Bruce Byfield wrote: It depends on where you send it. Different outlets have different standards, and there is a gray area, as you recognize. However, in general, the more that a media outlet prides itself on doing journalism, the more likely it would be considered a news release. Okay. Where do you think Newsforge lies? I could also see some exceptions. For example, if someone was going to make a really revolutionary public statement, or two famous speakers were going to stage a public debate, or something like that, then the announcement would have something that a journalist could work with. Davide just proposed that we invite Eva Lichtenberger, a Member of the European Parliamentvery who was active in the campain against software patents, to give a keynote at OOoCon. Would that be newsworthy without being a press release? It looks like it to me :-) Following Steven's advice, someone could write an article that is primarily about software patents and Eva's keynote, and just incidentally mentions that it'll happen in Slovenia during OOoCon 2005. Would this be a good way to promote OOoCon? Cheers, Daniel. -- /\/`) Leave your mark at OpenOffice.org /\/_/ /\/_/ OOoAuthors: http://oooauthors.org \/_/Knowledge Base: http://mindmeld.cybersite.com.au/ / - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
On Tue, 2005-08-16 at 18:30 +0100, Daniel Carrera wrote: > Could you explain this part? How can you really tell apart between a > story and a news release? For example, suppose I write a story about > what's planned for OOoCon. Is that a story or a news release? It depends on where you send it. Different outlets have different standards, and there is a gray area, as you recognize. However, in general, the more that a media outlet prides itself on doing journalism, the more likely it would be considered a news release. Exactly why would be harder to explain. I suppose it's because the announcement of an event is rather like vaporware. There's no way a journalist can confirm anything in the story. That said, you might still want to send out the announcement - not in the expectation of getting publicity for the event, but so that the media outlet might report on the actual event. I could also see some exceptions. For example, if someone was going to make a really revolutionary public statement, or two famous speakers were going to stage a public debate, or something like that, then the announcement would have something that a journalist could work with. All of which brings up another point: before sending out a message to the media, you need to know what you want to accomplish, and whether you're likely to. -- Bruce Byfield 604-421.7177 http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
Daniel Carrera wrote: Bruce Byfield wrote: At any reputable media outlet, it's also a waste of time to write a story that's really a hidden news release. At Newsforge, for example, I believe that such submissions automatically get bounced. At best, they get put into the NewsVac column. Could you explain this part? How can you really tell apart between a story and a news release? For example, suppose I write a story about what's planned for OOoCon. Is that a story or a news release? That depends, says the former journalist and morning show producer/anchor. :-) If you fill it with what we always called "marketing flack" about how great the product is, use lots of adjectives like "great" and "best" and "most" and "powerful" and "fantastic", or do comparisons against competing products, it gets pitched right away as an attempt at advertising. If you write it in a journalistic style (non-passionate descriptions of who, what, when, where, why, and how...preferably with "inverted pyramid" organization), avoid hype, and mention only your product in passing, it gets at least a look and maybe a slight rewrite. Write it as if you were a journalist completely unattached to the project (either you mention your product only in passing without going into any specifics at all or you also give your competitors something close to equal time) sticking only to the facts, it as often as not gets published without any changes at all. Of course, a lot of this depends on the outlet you're sending it to, as well. -- Steven Shelton Twilight Media & Design www.TwilightMD.com www.GLOAMING.us -=-=-=-=-=- Oo, baby.talk nerdy to me! -=-=-=-=-=- - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
On Tue, 2005-08-16 at 10:20 -0700, Bruce Byfield wrote: > But you have to know your market. or audience - same thing really. > Writing > something that's hard to read and full of cliches is one of the quickest > ways to ensure that your news release doesn't get read -- and that means > that your story doesn't get out. In fact, it's a good idea to make sure > that your headline and opening sentence both explain what's interesting > in the story. That way, people are more likely to actually read it. This also applies to lobbying government and similar audiences. I often get told by FOSS advocates that E-mailing government officials and politicians is a waste of time. I don't think so. I have had a lot of success and many positive replies including a question asked in the House of Commons and an investigation of MS by the Office of Fair trading. Writing is effective if you write the the right things in the right way for the intended audience. -- Ian Lynch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ZMSL - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
Bruce Byfield wrote: At any reputable media outlet, it's also a waste of time to write a story that's really a hidden news release. At Newsforge, for example, I believe that such submissions automatically get bounced. At best, they get put into the NewsVac column. Could you explain this part? How can you really tell apart between a story and a news release? For example, suppose I write a story about what's planned for OOoCon. Is that a story or a news release? Cheers, Daniel. -- /\/`) Leave your mark at OpenOffice.org /\/_/ /\/_/ OOoAuthors: http://oooauthors.org \/_/Knowledge Base: http://mindmeld.cybersite.com.au/ / - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
On Tue, 2005-08-16 at 12:55 +0100, Daniel Carrera wrote: > > Actually, the main message I got from Robin's talk was that you need to > contact the media persistently. That you can't expect them to just > magically know about the cool new feature in your project. That you have > to be intentional about keeping in touch, and send them stories to talk > about. > > It is better to send a poorly written email about an interesting story > than to send nothing at all. If the recipient likes the story and has > time, he will take care of writing well about it. Don't kill yourself > getting a perfect press release. If you do, you'll probably send very > few press releases. > > Bruce, as someone involved in this, would you agree with this advice? Yes, persistence is essential. It's a common amateur's mistake to think that the media is already aware of your company or organization. Journalists may have heard about your company, but there's a lot to cover, and they can't possibly keep current on everything. As a result, most journalists appreciate a reliable source for good stories. But you have to know your market. I regularly have people asking if I'm interested in reviewing their product, only to find out that it's a proprietary Windows product (I cover Linux and FOSS only). Another important element is making your story interesting. If you look at any site that publishes news releases, you'll see that a surprisingly large number begin with a sentence that's about six lines long, and describes the company as a "world-leader" or something similar. Writing something that's hard to read and full of cliches is one of the quickest ways to ensure that your news release doesn't get read -- and that means that your story doesn't get out. In fact, it's a good idea to make sure that your headline and opening sentence both explain what's interesting in the story. That way, people are more likely to actually read it. At any reputable media outlet, it's also a waste of time to write a story that's really a hidden news release. At Newsforge, for example, I believe that such submissions automatically get bounced. At best, they get put into the NewsVac column. -- Bruce Byfield 604-421.7177 http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
Bruce Byfield wrote: On Tue, 2005-08-16 at 05:26 -0400, Lars D. Noodén wrote: Can you point to the URL for the transcript from the IRC seminar? They're very, very, very rarely scheduled at a time when I can be online. I don't know if anyone kept a transcript, although I seem to remember a summary of key points. Daniel, do you remember? I had an IRC log, but it's been long deleted :-( Newsforge made a log too of the Q&A sesssion. That one is here: http://www.newsforge.com/trends/04/04/25/1411229.shtml Cheers, Daniel. -- /\/`) Leave your mark at OpenOffice.org /\/_/ /\/_/ OOoAuthors: http://oooauthors.org \/_/Knowledge Base: http://mindmeld.cybersite.com.au/ / - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
On Tue, 2005-08-16 at 07:47 -0400, Lars D. Noodén wrote: > On Mon, 15 Aug 2005, Bruce Byfield wrote: > [snip] > > That means learning what makes a good story, and making sure that people > > like me hear about it. > > Strife. That's what the mainstream seems to tune into. Take the WWF > (wrestling) style face off with HD DVD (uses MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 > compression) versus Blu-Ray (uses MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 compression). > > OOo could shape something like that. Focus on the strife and discord > threatening to tear up the project over which is most important: that OOo > is open source or that OOo uses open file formats like OpenDocument. You > know the old "floor wax" vs "desert topping" style debate. ;) Strife is one aspect of a good story. Human interest is another. But all good stories come down to explaining why readers should be interested in the topic. I came across a good example in Saturday's Globe and Mail. The article was about elderly people and the difficulty they found in giving up driving. The story focused on one man. If the story was just about that one man, I would have read it and thought that the article described a tragedy for the man and his family, but wondered why so much space was devoted to it. Probably, I would have skimmed. However, just about the point where I would have started skimming, the article began to show how the man was representative of a problem that is starting to get worse because of our aging population. That answered the question of why I should be interested, and kept me reading to the end of the article. That's what OOo needs to do. It's not enough just to announce new features -- readers have to know why they should care about the features. -- Bruce Byfield 604-421.7177 http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
On Tue, 2005-08-16 at 05:23 -0400, Lars D. Noodén wrote: > If there is a group doing liaison with the media, then I think that Bruce > and Daniel should be among those in the group. Both have been active and > write well rather consistently. Thanks for the vote of confidence. However, I think I have to decline. I'll gladly help with advice, either on an ongoing basis or with seminars on relevant topics. However, my credibility as a journalist covering OpenOffice.org would be lessened if I were writing news releases for the project. E-mail from readers suggest that I'm regarded as sympathetic to OOo, but independent enough to point out flaws and criticize where necessary (and this is certainly the position I've tried to cultivate). Moreover, I'd be in conflict of interest if I were both covering OOo as news and doing PR for the project. I wouldn't feel right about that, and I doubt my editors would, either. For these reasons, I think that both OOo and I would be better served if I kept my help to an advisory role. -- Bruce Byfield 604-421.7177 http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
Lars D. Noodén wrote: On Mon, 15 Aug 2005, Bruce Byfield wrote: That means learning what makes a good story, and making sure that people like me hear about it. Strife. That's what the mainstream seems to tune into. Actually, the main message I got from Robin's talk was that you need to contact the media persistently. That you can't expect them to just magically know about the cool new feature in your project. That you have to be intentional about keeping in touch, and send them stories to talk about. It is better to send a poorly written email about an interesting story than to send nothing at all. If the recipient likes the story and has time, he will take care of writing well about it. Don't kill yourself getting a perfect press release. If you do, you'll probably send very few press releases. Bruce, as someone involved in this, would you agree with this advice? OOo could shape something like that. Focus on the strife and discord threatening to tear up the project over which is most important: that OOo is open source or that OOo uses open file formats like OpenDocument. Heh, sure, why not. Cheers, Daniel. -- /\/`) Leave your mark at OpenOffice.org /\/_/ /\/_/ OOoAuthors: http://oooauthors.org \/_/Knowledge Base: http://mindmeld.cybersite.com.au/ / - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
On Mon, 15 Aug 2005, Bruce Byfield wrote: [snip] That means learning what makes a good story, and making sure that people like me hear about it. Strife. That's what the mainstream seems to tune into. Take the WWF (wrestling) style face off with HD DVD (uses MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 compression) versus Blu-Ray (uses MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 compression). OOo could shape something like that. Focus on the strife and discord threatening to tear up the project over which is most important: that OOo is open source or that OOo uses open file formats like OpenDocument. You know the old "floor wax" vs "desert topping" style debate. ;) [snip] In the last 18 months, I've earned a fair chunk of income from writing about OpenOffice.org, but every one of the four or five dozen articles I've written about OOo has been initiated by me. [snip] I've read most of them, even before they are announced here, they are quite good and I find them useful enough to forward to people I know. Writing consistently well is difficult. -Lars Lars Nooden ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Software patents harm all Net-based business, write your MEP: http://wwwdb.europarl.eu.int/ep6/owa/p_meps2.repartition?ilg=EN - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
Bruce Byfield wrote: Yes, now that you remind me, you did. Unfortunately, being PR liasion would be a full-time effort. I think you could do the job, but you're focused on other things, and so far haven't got around to being cloned. :-) Yes, I have my hands pretty full without getting into marketing. If you're thinking of the same case as I am, she wasn't working on a news release, but a story, and her work was pre-empted by another story on the same topic. No, different case. :-) But I'm under the impression you were there on IRC for the one I mean. Not sure... Cheers, Daniel. -- /\/`) Leave your mark at OpenOffice.org /\/_/ /\/_/ OOoAuthors: http://oooauthors.org \/_/Knowledge Base: http://mindmeld.cybersite.com.au/ / - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
Louis Suarez-Potts wrote: This is false, that getting a press release is a bureaucratic effort. Well, whatever the reason might be, I pointed to an actual event where a friend (Becca) worked very hard to get a press release for something we felt was important, and she felt shot down. And that was the last time she tried to contribute at OOo. Perhaps I mis-used the word bureocracy. But you are practiced at spreading FUD of this sort. As far as I can tell, you blame essentially nonexistent bureaucracy when you get impatient. I'm tired of that strategy. Hey, relax. How do you figure that this has to do with my being impatient? I didn't say that the problem was that OOo reacted slowly. The problem here was that she worked hard in an effort t ocontribute, and she felt her efforts were not appreciated. Incidentally, FUD stands for "fear uncertainty and doubt". I don't know how you figure I was spreading fear, or promoting uncertainty and doubt. I wish people would not use "FUD" to mean "you're wrong". For example, right here you were wrong about the problem I was referring to. Should I say that you're spreading FUD about me? I think it would be more productive to look at what went wrong, and what can be done in the future to improve. That would be a more positive reaction. For what it is worth, the press release process is actually quite simple--as are many things in OOo. The process might be simple to describe. For example, you can say "discuss it in the pr list, and when you agree, send it over". But the actual dynamics might still not work well. If you would like to be convinced, take a look at the facts. I have pointed to a fact. :-) Cheers, Daniel. -- /\/`) Leave your mark at OpenOffice.org /\/_/ /\/_/ OOoAuthors: http://oooauthors.org \/_/Knowledge Base: http://mindmeld.cybersite.com.au/ / - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] Important upcoming events?
Louis Suarez-Potts wrote: Is this event listed on the DE project pages? I was listing as many as I could on the homepage, but it got to be too many. There are *many* events out there, all over the world, where OOo is being represented. The home page is not exactly the place to coordinate marketing efforts. If someone wants to help John manage the events box on the MP homepage, I'm sure he'd be happy to hear it. :-) That's an improvement. But I don't think that a list on a website should be the primary way that people in the marketing project are supposed to learn about events. There should be announcements on-list. Daniel. -- /\/`) Leave your mark at OpenOffice.org /\/_/ /\/_/ OOoAuthors: http://oooauthors.org \/_/Knowledge Base: http://mindmeld.cybersite.com.au/ / - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] Important upcoming events?
I'd be willing to help Jeongkyu and other plan for the IFLA conference in Korea next year. I was an invited speaker for the IFLA satellite conference in Finland this year and my colleagues have been attending many similar events as presenters for the last decade. So I can provide som insight as to which topics might be of most interest and, given enough lead time, bounce ideas off of some key people. -lars Lars Nooden ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Software patents harm all Net-based business, write your MEP: http://wwwdb.europarl.eu.int/ep6/owa/p_meps2.repartition?ilg=EN On Mon, 15 Aug 2005, Jeongkyu Kim wrote: On 8/15/05, Charles-H.Schulz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hi, On Mon, 2005-08-15 at 05:57 -0400, Lars D. Noodén wrote: Well, there is the IFLA conference in Oslo right now: http://www.ifla.org/IV/index.htm There is time to aim for the next one which is in Korea: http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla72/index.htm I'll tell the Korean lead asap. It would be exciting if OpenOffice.org can participate in the conference in Korea! Please let me know if there is anything I can help to materialize the plan. Thanks, Jeongkyu - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] Important upcoming events?
Hi Louis, > Is this event listed on the DE project pages? I was listing as many > as I could on the homepage, but it got to be too many. There are > *many* events out there, all over the world, where OOo is being > represented. yes, it is, have a look at http://de.openoffice.org/veranstaltungen/ ;-) Florian -- ## Florian Effenberger ## Marketing/Öffentlichkeitsarbeit/Presse ## OpenOffice.org - http://de.openoffice.org - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] OpenOffice.org 2.0 messaging ideas
The problem of DRM is often forgotten, OOo frees people from that. One of the most valuable assets a university has is the publications produced by their faculty and researchers. The last thing in the world they should do is hand over not only control of the data but even the life cycle of the data to a third party. "DRM -- like a roach motel for your data -- stay out of the box with OOo" Lars Nooden ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Software patents harm all Net-based business, write your MEP: http://wwwdb.europarl.eu.int/ep6/owa/p_meps2.repartition?ilg=EN On Mon, 15 Aug 2005, Jason Faulkner wrote: How about "Don't sell your soul for an upgrade, get free, get OO.org" Or something along those lines. I think we need to market against the rhetoric and sales department of microsoft. --Jay - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
Can you point to the URL for the transcript from the IRC seminar? They're very, very, very rarely scheduled at a time when I can be online. -Lars Lars Nooden ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Software patents harm all Net-based business, write your MEP: http://wwwdb.europarl.eu.int/ep6/owa/p_meps2.repartition?ilg=EN On Mon, 15 Aug 2005, Bruce Byfield wrote: [snip] OOo had a good start about 15 months ago when Robin Miller from the OSTG group (Newsforge, Slashdot) gave an IRC seminar in how to write an effective news release. Unfortunately, nobody in OOo seems to have taken what he said to heart. - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
If there is a group doing liaison with the media, then I think that Bruce and Daniel should be among those in the group. Both have been active and write well rather consistently. Lars Nooden ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Software patents harm all Net-based business, write your MEP: http://wwwdb.europarl.eu.int/ep6/owa/p_meps2.repartition?ilg=EN - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[Marketing] Software Freedom Day
Where are you going to be on Software Freedom Day (www.softwarefreedomday.org) Saturday 10 September 2005 ? Are you part of a team ? http://majen.net/sfdworldwide/ http://maitri.ubuntu.com/softwarefreedomday/wiki/index.php/Team_Pages Even if you cannot attend an event in your area, perhaps wear a pin, carry a balloon, and or provide flyers/CDs as you go about your day. If you would like to share other ideas for Software Freedom Day, either post to the SFD forum, or join us on our own events@marketing.openoffice.org list. See you there. This is where I am planning to be: http://maitri.ubuntu.com/softwarefreedomday/wiki/index.php/Computer_Angels_Inc%2C_Perth%2C_Western_Australia :) Let us know what you are planning to do on Software Freedom Day on [EMAIL PROTECTED] All the best Jacqueline McNally Lead, OpenOffice.org Marketing Project - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] linux.conf.au 2006 - OpenOffice.org MiniConf
Graham Lauder wrote: Jacqueline McNally wrote: Hello The Call for Miniconfs has just come out: http://lists.linux.org.au/archives/lca-announce/2005-August/msg1.html I pre-empted this at the end of July, and received a response from the organisers. [...] Excellent, Being a complete newbie to Miniconfs, what happens ? how is it setup? I seem to remember it was the day before the main conf started. I'll definitely be there, so what do we need in terms of presentations/workshops and the like At the moment, the proposed miniconfs are under consideration and will be decided near the end of August. The miniconfs are held for 1 or 2 days prior to LCA. Since last years' OOo miniconf was well received, we will probably go with the same/similar format. If we get the go ahead, we will mostly plan the miniconf on the events@marketing.openoffice.org list. All the best Jacqueline McNally Lead, OpenOffice.org Marketing Project - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] [Fwd: [newsletter] MS lochs down Scots Police deal]
On Mon, 2005-08-15 at 09:20 -0400, swhiser wrote: > Benjamin Horst wrote: > > > Though a solitary wave recedes back into the ocean, it means nothing > > to the rising tide. > > > Wishful thinking wrapped in denial. The first 10% was easy. They are > working every SINGLE migrating account. They are trying to undo EVERYTHING. Which was always predictable. I mean, if I had loads of money and a monopoly, why wouldn't I try and preserve it? Its a classic and easily predictable pattern. Laugh at you, fight you, then you win (ghandi). Well, we are in the middle stage and the win bit remains to be seen but some things are worth fighting for. Certainly here in the UK there has never been as much interest in FLOSS in general and OOo is part of that bigger picture. > There is no motivation for volunteers to compete. > > Give up! Sam, why are you doing this? I'm a volunteer and I'm motivated. I don't see any of the volunteers in my immediate circles not motivated. There are bound to be set backs, don't waste energy on these unless you can turn it to an advantage. -- Ian Lynch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ZMSL - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Marketing] article: "LinuxWorld 2005 Thursday"
On Mon, 2005-08-15 at 23:58 -0400, Louis Suarez-Potts wrote: > On Aug 15, 2005, at 8:25 PM, Daniel Carrera wrote: > > > Bruce Byfield wrote: > > > > > >> OOo had a good start about 15 months ago when Robin Miller from > >> the OSTG > >> group (Newsforge, Slashdot) gave an IRC seminar in how to write an > >> effective news release. Unfortunately, nobody in OOo seems to have > >> taken > >> what he said to heart. > >> > > > > I did. But trying to get a press release or an article through all > > the bureocracy is an exercise in frustration. I know of one > > volunteer who quit because she worked very hard for days on a press > > release that would have made interesting news and her work was > > promptly shot down. > > This is false, that getting a press release is a bureaucratic effort. Why do people assume bureaucracy = evil? Some bureaucracy is necessary in running any organisation. Some bureaucratic effort is bound to be necessary from time to time. Its a by definition thing. You can't organise without some organisational bureaucracy. The real issue is whether or not the systems and procedures are perceived to get in the way or not. People are not generally motivated by procedures but they can be de-motivated by them even if the procedure itself is not the fundamental issue but perceived to be. The strongest motivator is recognition of their work. If that is true in paid work, its doubly true in volunteer work. If someone quit because she perceived her work was under-valued, whatever the rational explanation, the outcome is that she is a lost resource. The management equation becomes whether that person's work is in fact of such little consequence that she can go and no-one will worry. If on the otherhand that person's work is valuable, the leadership task is to keep them motivated. Ironically, applying logic to emotional issues is rather more difficult when one is part of the emotional matrix which is, I guess why companies pay a lot to external management consultants who can see things with detachment. -- Ian Lynch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ZMSL - To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
