Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
Sorry working link... hopefully http://www.openclipart.org/detail/148519/offer-help-with-computers-by-andresmp -- Andrés Muñiz-Piniella -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
Hello, I've been working on the lines as to how to help out in a local way. http://www.openclipart.org/detail/148519/ I did this clumsy flyer and was thinking of posting it on post office, bakers,tescos, etc. I deliberately did not mention operating system, ubuntu, windows or any other software. The idea is that I can help out in what I can but I can be a lot more helpful if they let me show them open source alternatives: be it libre office, ubuntu, gramps, ... screen shots shown are programs that might be recognizable for users of other platforms: writer, spreadsheet, gant, ancestry, ... I'm open to suggestions but I just want to get it out the door. By the way. How cool is inkscape combined with open clip art? -- Andrés envió esto desde su netbook con UBUNTU: sistema operativo gratuito, abierto y casi libre. ¡Pruebalo! http://www.ubuntu-es.org/ Por favor, no imprimas este correo. El Fri, 24-06-2011 a las 14:51 +, Andy Smith escribió: Hello, On Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 03:26:43PM +0100, Laura Czajkowski wrote: I also for non techy meet ups, bit of fun and getting to know the folks on the List/IRC the Ubuntu UK community! Be it a pub, Geeknic, Bowling or outing of some sort. I think this is a good idea also. Cheers, Andy -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On Jul 6, 2011 11:20 PM, andres andre...@gmail.com wrote: Hello, I've been working on the lines as to how to help out in a local way. http://www.openclipart.org/detail/148519/ I did this clumsy flyer and was thinking of posting it on post office, bakers,tescos, etc. I deliberately did not mention operating system, ubuntu, windows or any other software. The idea is that I can help out in what I can but I can be a lot more helpful if they let me show them open source alternatives: be it libre office, ubuntu, gramps, ... screen shots shown are programs that might be recognizable for users of other platforms: writer, spreadsheet, gant, ancestry, ... I'm open to suggestions but I just want to get it out the door. By the way. How cool is inkscape combined with open clip art? I get error file not found? Chris -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:24:51 +0100 Carlos Ferreira carlosemferre...@gmail.com wrote: The UK team should be talking to Universities and other public services, doing advocacy and trying to figure out what the obstacles to the adoption of free software are, and how they can be overcome. In fact, it's something I'd like to do myself. The problem with this idea is that you have to find somebody with influence who is willing to listen to some oik that's just wandered in off the street and is telling them their IT strategy is wrong. That's how it was described to me by a senior IT bod at a council. His suggestion was that Canonical need to be doing this sort of thing with professional 'sales' people. Also the philosophy of Open Source doesn't really wash, what’s needed is numbers in Pounds Stirling. He also pointed out that there is no single point of attack when trying to get FLOSS into these places. As an example, when he put forward Open Office. One of the excuses given was that people were familiar with Microsoft Office and that was what they got taught at college. The college says it teaches MS Office because that's what industry uses. -- Steve Cook (Yorvyk) http://lubuntu.net -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 25/06/11 11:45, Yorvyk wrote: On Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:24:51 +0100 Carlos Ferreiracarlosemferre...@gmail.com wrote: The UK team should be talking to Universities and other public services, doing advocacy and trying to figure out what the obstacles to the adoption of free software are, and how they can be overcome. In fact, it's something I'd like to do myself. The problem with this idea is that you have to find somebody with influence who is willing to listen to some oik that's just wandered in off the street and is telling them their IT strategy is wrong. That's how it was described to me by a senior IT bod at a council. His suggestion was that Canonical need to be doing this sort of thing with professional 'sales' people. Also the philosophy of Open Source doesn't really wash, what’s needed is numbers in Pounds Stirling. He also pointed out that there is no single point of attack when trying to get FLOSS into these places. As an example, when he put forward Open Office. One of the excuses given was that people were familiar with Microsoft Office and that was what they got taught at college. The college says it teaches MS Office because that's what industry uses. Try: UK Government policy strategy (9 March 2011) 'Government ICT Strategy' http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/uk-government-ict-strategy-resources or shortened http://bit.ly/e6Xpb2 Download in a format of choice including 'Open Office Text' Interesting contents. Unlike the strategy on similar subject over the previous 4 years which did not get much use I think, this strategy imposes *mandatory* open standards. 'To allow for greater interoperability, openness and reuse of ICT solutions, the Government will establish a suite of agreed and mandatory open technical standards' (12 months) 'The adoption of compulsory open standards will help government to avoid lengthy vendor lock-in' 'The Government will also put an end to the oligopoly of large suppliers that monopolise its ICT provision' Also the strategy will directly affect the jobs and careers of IT senior workers: 'Government will appoint SROs with the expectation that they will stay in post until an appropriate break in the life of an ICT project/programme, to reduce the risk of project failure' Might concentrate the mind somewhat? When did you last see such words in a Government document? Also, I asked my local councillor if the (my) Council uses software libre in any form. The response at first greatly disheartened me, it referred me direct to the IT department on grounds of the Councillor's self declared ignorance. However I then was offered and accepted an invitation to be shown round IT and discovered to my delight that there was massive use of Suse Enterprise Server, everything was in VMs, and there was a known number of legacy apps held on (windows), although the office staff still mostly used xp. I then felt much better. The individual Councillor's lack of self confidence with anything computers is typical of most people. I am working on this individual . and anyone else who I can get to listen!! Marketing can be an indirect process. If every one saw or heard the word Ubuntu every day, they would begin to accept it as a normal part of life, even though they might not be using it. -- alan cocks Ubuntu user -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
The problem with this idea is that you have to find somebody with influence who is willing to listen to some oik that's just wandered in off the street and is telling them their IT strategy is wrong. You hit the nail on the head there. It's true. In their minds, why would an 'IT professional' listen to a person who more often than not is 'an enthusiastic volunteer'? A more useful way to go about promoting corporate adoption of Ubuntu may be to create a website featuring businesses and Government agencies who have *already* adopted Ubuntu. Look what Google do here with Google Apps: http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en-GB/customers/index.html The Ubuntu-UK team could make an effort to maintain something similar. It seems to me to be a more realistic and achievable objective. Businesses are much more likely to be swayed by their peers, rather than someone who has 'wandered in off the street' as you say. Chris -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 10:11, Alan Pope wrote: As a team we do stuff for the Ubuntu. Most of this stuff is based on ideas a few people have had within the team. This includes:- * Support * Advocacy * Promotion * Events I figured it's time to get some fresh ideas. So, simple question:- As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? What would be really good is to just brainstorm, get a bunch of ideas, NOT debate each one into the ground, just come up with ideas, the details can follow later. Here's my starter for 10. UK Team should seek monetary sponsorship from companies and individuals, and invest that sponsorship money in Ubuntu related projects and events in the UK Your turn. Al. 1) Mention or talk about Ubuntu at least once per day to someone who uses Windows. Not in a pushy way, but maybe almost in passing. It raises awareness about an alternative for Windows. 2) The next step is to create an eager need in the potential customer. We do not have to do much for this because I think MS is often working for us in this regard. -- alan cocks Ubuntu user -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
personally I think we should be getting companies to sponsor stuff, but I don't think we should be holding money at all. If we want to do something that needs money get someone to pay for it directly, that cuts out a heap of problems and lets us do pretty much the same things. One thing I really want to do is a series of installfests at universities. If you have a local university, or are at one, then please do get in touch with their computing society (usually through the student union) and see if they can arrange an installfest. This would need them to find a suitable room for a few hours, announce it to the students and then we can get a few people who know what they are doing, plus a bunch of CDs to hand out and get Ubuntu installed and running for students. I have tried to contact the Oxford and Cambridge societies and some of the London universities but we need to get this out to all the places we can. This isn't limited to universities of course, any FE colleges or schools or whatever that want to join in can do so. This kind of links with the raceonline stuff too. Alan. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
Start a Social Enterprise that supports Ubuntu LoCo set up and operation. Including support for promotional materials and partner training. Then make this a template for further Social Enterprise start ups. I will contact Teesside, Durham and Newcastle Unis about installfest idea. Although will have to wait until the students return after summer-time. John On Fri, 2011-06-24 at 10:11 +0100, Alan Pope wrote: As a team we do stuff for the Ubuntu. Most of this stuff is based on ideas a few people have had within the team. This includes:- * Support * Advocacy * Promotion * Events I figured it's time to get some fresh ideas. So, simple question:- As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? What would be really good is to just brainstorm, get a bunch of ideas, NOT debate each one into the ground, just come up with ideas, the details can follow later. Here's my starter for 10. UK Team should seek monetary sponsorship from companies and individuals, and invest that sponsorship money in Ubuntu related projects and events in the UK Your turn. Al. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On Fri, 2011-06-24 at 10:11 +0100, Alan Pope wrote: As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? UK Team should seek monetary sponsorship from companies and individuals, and invest that sponsorship money in Ubuntu related projects and events in the UK Monetary sponsorship - definitely. Twofold effort needed: 1) Make concerted effort to get Ubuntu pre-installed machines made easily available. I keep trying - if we all do that, we might (just) get a better response. 2) Get some paid advertising going to raise awareness that there is an alternative to Windows and Mac, and it is very very good. Release of 12.04 LTS might be the time to go for this. Maybe Canonical would offer good support here? Regards,Barry. -- Barry Drake is a member of the the Ubuntu Advertising team. http://ubuntuadverts.org/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
What about paid immediate support for those like myself that have no other forms of support available. Windows has a immediate paid support for problems, where they can connect to your computer and fix what ever your problem is. I am not sure what Windows charges now, as I havent had to look, but when I last looked a couple of years ago it was £45, whether they could fix it or not. John -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
I would certainly want to support individuals who want to do that type of thing as a small local business venture. Get yourself on the marketplace and go for it: http://webapps.ubuntu.com/marketplace/europe/ I think we should get the UK bit of the marketplace app exposed on the ubuntu-uk.org website. Alan. On 24/06/11 12:12, scoundrel50a wrote: What about paid immediate support for those like myself that have no other forms of support available. Windows has a immediate paid support for problems, where they can connect to your computer and fix what ever your problem is. I am not sure what Windows charges now, as I havent had to look, but when I last looked a couple of years ago it was £45, whether they could fix it or not. John -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
Ok, I been thinking about this for a while, since somebody helped me a short while ago, with this backlight problem, by using ssh to access my computer. I spent somewhere in the region of about 8 hours asking various people to help, on I think it was three different Ubuntu channels. We were going back and forth and it was frustrating, even more frustrating for the person helping. Then in about 5 minutes, accessing the computer via ssh it was proved to be unworkable in the present Kernel. I know, after being around Ubuntu for about 4 near 5 years, a lot of problems can be sorted or at least discovered quite quickly using the terminal. Wouldnt it be more viable and less frustrating, if after a short period of time, either an offer of payment for direct ssh connection was made there and then, or it was booked for sometime later. That way, it becomes than just time not well spent. Surely it would save a lot of effort.just a few thoughts. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 On 24/06/11 12:53, Alan Bell wrote: I would certainly want to support individuals who want to do that type of thing as a small local business venture. Get yourself on the marketplace and go for it: http://webapps.ubuntu.com/marketplace/europe/ The problem with the marketplace imo is you have no idea who is on there yes they could be a company or could be joe smith who is fantastic and fix your computer in 30 mins or they could be someone who has less experience and will rip you off, there is no criteria to be on marketplace at all. Laura - -- https://wiki.ubuntu.com/czajkowski http://www.lczajkowski.com Skype: lauraczajkowski -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.4.11 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org/ iQEcBAEBAgAGBQJOBHyDAAoJECUQy5EY50eFy8cH/1zpnUO4KZ1RuREZMzvkOwGt V0HkIKrZ0c8u/xXaDtCvn4hRJ1EyGTauee2sK1smE7vgJ8NpyVqDZpJf+1dOYl4L ykCS4110AWm/N8893fwy7YeUzEC3S6iQ+4zNuI2ipciBOvQgvqftrJjCw+qbxC8u wOJKtonyw1IxH/idRGa+MVSEhBtGVVCvc9H1MuDvhsPjnwj7sifm2iuxYVJKZmM4 FJW1LgU4rBBsZUsMa49MD7+pCl8mDjU14hNRB5encQCkeSY075Lap/zxmiOFT924 fr8DjlPrib/vuxirOk+5r2h0jVn/fAznAh1MdBoJR8R8N2TADjV9gamBc6gfnDo= =qSiN -END PGP SIGNATURE- -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:01, Laura Czajkowski wrote: On 24/06/11 12:53, Alan Bell wrote: I would certainly want to support individuals who want to do that type of thing as a small local business venture. Get yourself on the marketplace and go for it: http://webapps.ubuntu.com/marketplace/europe/ The problem with the marketplace imo is you have no idea who is on there yes they could be a company or could be joe smith who is fantastic and fix your computer in 30 mins or they could be someone who has less experience and will rip you off, there is no criteria to be on marketplace at all. Laura Well, I was thinking more about continuation of support from the IRC channels. You know most people on there are legit. So after a certain period of time, for a sum, if it is getting nowhere on the channel, paid support could be offered. John -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
Just like the Yellow Pages, or any other means of selecting a vendor that does not include a reputation based scoring system. We could build our own vendor catalogue with pre-qualification requirements and a reputation system, but lets use what is already there for now, and if anyone wants to contribute a better system (perhaps tied in with loco.ubuntu.com) then they can go do that. Alan On 24/06/11 13:01, Laura Czajkowski wrote: The problem with the marketplace imo is you have no idea who is on there yes they could be a company or could be joe smith who is fantastic and fix your computer in 30 mins or they could be someone who has less experience and will rip you off, there is no criteria to be on marketplace at all. Laura -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
Ok, sorry, am not sure if we are bottom posting or top posting, its appeared both in consecutive e-mails. That isnt what I was getting at, its kind of missing the point. Personally, I wouldnt go any near a list unless somebody was recommended. Been stung a few times already I am talking about better use of time being spent trying to help on an already existing platform On 24/06/11 13:09, Alan Bell wrote: Just like the Yellow Pages, or any other means of selecting a vendor that does not include a reputation based scoring system. We could build our own vendor catalogue with pre-qualification requirements and a reputation system, but lets use what is already there for now, and if anyone wants to contribute a better system (perhaps tied in with loco.ubuntu.com) then they can go do that. Alan On 24/06/11 13:01, Laura Czajkowski wrote: The problem with the marketplace imo is you have no idea who is on there yes they could be a company or could be joe smith who is fantastic and fix your computer in 30 mins or they could be someone who has less experience and will rip you off, there is no criteria to be on marketplace at all. Laura -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:04, scoundrel50a wrote: Well, I was thinking more about continuation of support from the IRC channels. You know most people on there are legit. no, you don't. So after a certain period of time, for a sum, if it is getting nowhere on the channel, paid support could be offered. John The way I see it is that the LoCo provides free, open, peer reviewed advice. The questions are open, the answers are open, people can point out bad answers to things. People not involved in the conversation can learn from it. If someone wants to ask a question in private and get a personal answer, perhaps with money changing hands, then that is totally awesome and we should support that, but doing it isn't a LoCo activity as such, it is a private transaction. I am all in favour of there being a healthy support ecosystem around Ubuntu in the UK and I think the LoCo should support companies and sole traders, but not be one. Does that distinction make sense? Alan. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
top posting On 24/06/11 13:13, scoundrel50a wrote: Ok, sorry, am not sure if we are bottom posting or top posting, its appeared both in consecutive e-mails. or bottom posting, it is all the same to me. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:16, Alan Bell wrote: On 24/06/11 13:04, scoundrel50a wrote: Well, I was thinking more about continuation of support from the IRC channels. You know most people on there are legit. no, you don't. Ok, I can name about half a dozen people on IRC Ubuntu-uk that are trustworthy, that I know from personal experience. So, I am not why you say that isnt true... So after a certain period of time, for a sum, if it is getting nowhere on the channel, paid support could be offered. John The way I see it is that the LoCo provides free, open, peer reviewed advice. The questions are open, the answers are open, people can point out bad answers to things. People not involved in the conversation can learn from it. If someone wants to ask a question in private and get a personal answer, perhaps with money changing hands, then that is totally awesome and we should support that, but doing it isn't a LoCo activity as such, it is a private transaction. I am all in favour of there being a healthy support ecosystem around Ubuntu in the UK and I think the LoCo should support companies and sole traders, but not be one. Does that distinction make sense? Alan. In some experiences I have had and seen of others, sometimes things get really frustrating, for whatever reasons, and isnt helpful to anybody. I have had experience where somebody has accessed my computer, and in minutes has either sorted out a problem that has been taking ages on irc, and got nowhere. or the same problem has been diagnosed as being impossible to fix. If it hadnt been taken off irc, it would still be open and not fixed. I wouldnt ask for private conversations, at least not paid ones. I can see what your talking about, but am not sure I understand why. I think there is a gap from the block help that some people are able to give, and individuals that dont have support, and was just trying to offer a suggestionsorry. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:28, scoundrel50a wrote: On 24/06/11 13:16, Alan Bell wrote: On 24/06/11 13:04, scoundrel50a wrote: Well, I was thinking more about continuation of support from the IRC channels. You know most people on there are legit. no, you don't. Ok, I can name about half a dozen people on IRC Ubuntu-uk that are trustworthy, that I know from personal experience. So, I am not why you say that isnt true... you know they are trustworthy from personal experience, not because they are on IRC -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
Alan Pope wrote: As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? Going to the pub more. -- Avi -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:34, Alan Bell wrote: On 24/06/11 13:28, scoundrel50a wrote: On 24/06/11 13:16, Alan Bell wrote: On 24/06/11 13:04, scoundrel50a wrote: Well, I was thinking more about continuation of support from the IRC channels. You know most people on there are legit. no, you don't. Ok, I can name about half a dozen people on IRC Ubuntu-uk that are trustworthy, that I know from personal experience. So, I am not why you say that isnt true... you know they are trustworthy from personal experience, not because they are on IRC Ok, I know they are trustworthy because most of them are connected to Ubuntu in one way or another. And most that are on there, the ones you see chatting all the time, if they messed anybody around, it would look bad for Ubuntu. I have known some of you for over 4 years.. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:34, Alan Bell wrote: Well, I was thinking more about continuation of support from the IRC channels. You know most people on there are legit. no, you don't. Ok, I can name about half a dozen people on IRC Ubuntu-uk that are trustworthy, that I know from personal experience. So, I am not why you say that isnt true... you know they are trustworthy from personal experience, not because they are on IRC We have now gone off topic.. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24 June 2011 10:11, Alan Pope a...@popey.com wrote: As a team we do stuff for the Ubuntu. Most of this stuff is based on ideas a few people have had within the team. This includes:- * Support * Advocacy * Promotion * Events I figured it's time to get some fresh ideas. So, simple question:- As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? What would be really good is to just brainstorm, get a bunch of ideas, NOT debate each one into the ground, just come up with ideas, the details can follow later. Here's my starter for 10. UK Team should seek monetary sponsorship from companies and individuals, and invest that sponsorship money in Ubuntu related projects and events in the UK Your turn. What happened to good old fashioned install fests? One of them with some training might help I'd have thought. -Matt Daubney -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
stuff not in London is probably a bit of a weakness. London is kind of convenient by train from everywhere so it is generally a reasonable place to do things, but I think it would be great for people in other cities to organise things local to them. That might be pub/cafe meetups, geeknics, installfests, talks at LUG meetings etc. Alan. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24 June 2011 10:11, Alan Pope a...@popey.com wrote: As a team we do stuff for the Ubuntu. Most of this stuff is based on ideas a few people have had within the team. This includes:- * Support * Advocacy * Promotion * Events I figured it's time to get some fresh ideas. So, simple question:- As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? What would be really good is to just brainstorm, get a bunch of ideas, NOT debate each one into the ground, just come up with ideas, the details can follow later. Here's my starter for 10. UK Team should seek monetary sponsorship from companies and individuals, and invest that sponsorship money in Ubuntu related projects and events in the UK Your turn. Oooh oooh ooh!! A really good one!! How about we do some Ubuntu themed geocaches? -Matt Daubney -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On Fri, 2011-06-24 at 12:53 +0100, Alan Bell wrote: I would certainly want to support individuals who want to do that type of thing as a small local business venture. Get yourself on the marketplace and go for it: http://webapps.ubuntu.com/marketplace/europe/ I think we should get the UK bit of the marketplace app exposed on the ubuntu-uk.org website. Alan. On 24/06/11 12:12, scoundrel50a wrote: What about paid immediate support for those like myself that have no other forms of support available. Windows has a immediate paid support for problems, where they can connect to your computer and fix what ever your problem is. I am not sure what Windows charges now, as I havent had to look, but when I last looked a couple of years ago it was £45, whether they could fix it or not. John Well, I bottom post cos some people seem to feel strongly about it - but, actually, I prefer top-posting because otherwise I have to keep scrolling down in the preview window just to see if I'm interested to open it and read it all ;) Back to the main topic: We do a certain amount of paid support for VCOs but not usually for individuals. We work with the Councils for Voluntary Service in East London to provide training for non-profits in re-using their existing computers with Ubuntu and FOSS - this is taking off really well and we've achieved a lot of 'buzz' for Ubuntu and FOSS generally last year. We monitor what we do and the outcomes for various funders and have stats. We also have photos of various of the advocacy events and training sessions we do. We now run an Ubuntu LTSP server for a health-related social enterprise and are piloting a couple of Ubuntu PCs in one of the Councils for Voluntary Service in East London (which, by the way, once a few bugs in 10.04 were worked around gives no trouble at all). We're also working with a youth organisation who're considering moving across to Ubuntu and they'll probably contract us to look after it if they do. We were working with 3 more organisations last year but they all went bust in the cuts. We haven't found a market for paid Ubuntu services on any kind of scale among local communities and non-profits and this can only get worse as no-one has any money now - what they really need right now is to be able to look after their own kit. It's probably different in communities where most people are working in well-paid jobs but around here, no! So we've come at it another way . . . We run monthly FOSS Friday sessions where volunteers help people install and manage Ubuntu as well as the software which runs on Ubuntu (by the way, we can never get enough skilled volunteers for this - the next one is 1 July, 12 noon till 7pm near Tower Bridge - register to volunteer here: http://fossbox.org.uk/blog/?p=661 ). As I said in a recent post, we're also looking at how skilled volunteers who aren't in London could participate over TeamViewer or something - but I'd need to work out how to manage this properly among the controlled chaos of running the people who're in the room already! Last year, we did an Ubuntu install-fest for SFD at our workshop, this year we're working on a women's advocacy network with OK Computers in Manchester and of running Ubuntu-centred, women-friendly SFD events in Manc and London. We'll be launching the network in the next few weeks and we'll send out more details. This year we're also developing a 'Self-Sufficient IT' programme for non-profits which is a basic Ubuntu desktop maintenance course for beginners (which includes stuff about the kind of software non-profits need to use on Ubuntu) - participants can continue to come to the FOSS Fridays as long as they need help when they get stuck. I'll also build in how individuals can get help from Ubuntu-UK into this course. We're selling this package to the Councils for Voluntary Service - but we've lost a lot in the funding cuts so we'll probably be extending paid services and training to individuals who have well-paid jobs! If this takes off, we'll look at doing a course about basic Ubuntu servers for non-profits in the following year. We thought about doing the Ubuntu LPI course, but it's not really what non-profits want so we'll probably tailor something ourselves. I'm also looking into getting a small bit of funding to write up the research and advocacy we did with non-profits over the past 3 years into a guide for other advocates working with non-profits and other communities. I don't have much time left over to contribute as much as I'd like to Ubuntu-UK but I'm happy if anything we're doing can help with the LoCo's plans for the future? I do think that people need face-to-face help and the LUG format doesn't work for most non-techies - and especially for women. Anxiety about who they'll turn to if it goes wrong is a big barrier for most people when thinking about adopting Ubuntu. We've been working on developing models that provide this for 'human
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
What about writing letters to local papers such as I would like to raise the profile of event name, a local event where people can come and discuss the possibilities of computing and learn how to help others by using open source software. or somesuch. Did wonder if anyone was going to run an Oggcamp campaign similarly in the Farnham/Basingstokes local rag (no idea which one that is though!) -Matt Daubney -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 On 24/06/11 14:21, Matthew Daubney wrote: What about writing letters to local papers such as I would like to raise the profile of event name, a local event where people can come and discuss the possibilities of computing and learn how to help others by using open source software. or somesuch. Did wonder if anyone was going to run an Oggcamp campaign similarly in the Farnham/Basingstokes local rag (no idea which one that is though!) -Matt Daubney I also for non techy meet ups, bit of fun and getting to know the folks on the List/IRC the Ubuntu UK community! Be it a pub, Geeknic, Bowling or outing of some sort. Laura - -- https://wiki.ubuntu.com/czajkowski http://www.lczajkowski.com Skype: lauraczajkowski -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.4.11 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org/ iQEcBAEBAgAGBQJOBJ6gAAoJECUQy5EY50eFjiYH/R3nzVwQYLC/KVTAqW1IGQux oxdsN+P+6XSiablgjsD4obbE4RF/wHlaAsmGse1taNdJIaj+dITol73L7KjYCpJt sgakD4zNK8//A+oEajm8MSzo55OvcKt2duOfAhvbwLQHptob/WIGdoEBMRtt5+ad VALHbfcPs1Zs6p41bA0VQ5YhH9B2+NNssCab7W8nun1e4FzHy38F0dnO1SJvnKSw Hd2aVFugTb4JcPMwYPSxaKpT9zIr2puN1R/Fw2nuZl98GsUdtx9fL7lBk8hLh969 B9C7HS5YKVrp6/7osYPERhAvqHz0Q2v8SHnkT9F93VdAlzSxMMTrM25/av0O0LE= =C/XZ -END PGP SIGNATURE- -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
Hello, On Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 03:26:43PM +0100, Laura Czajkowski wrote: I also for non techy meet ups, bit of fun and getting to know the folks on the List/IRC the Ubuntu UK community! Be it a pub, Geeknic, Bowling or outing of some sort. I think this is a good idea also. Cheers, Andy signature.asc Description: Digital signature -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
The idea (below) from scoundrel50a got me thinking. How about a site/page where people who have Ubuntu installed could go for help. This site/page would have volunteers logged in and waiting for folks needing help. When the person needing help types something into a text box on the page, or picks a problem from a list, the volunteers who are all logged in would get an audible ping. First one to click a big 'I'll help!' button gets to help the person. The click idea (rather than being assigned a person) is that if someone wanted help with servers then I wouldn't click as I'm clueless about servers. Anyway, the first thing the helper would do is guide the person (in text chat) on how to enable remote access. Once that's done the helper can text chat while visually showing the person how to do whatever it is they need help with. Taking it a step further could be that the helper could Skype the person (if available on both ends), or have the site SMS (text) volunteers to say that there's someone needing help, but no helpers logged in. There are Android/iPhone apps that allow receiving 'texts' through data, so it wouldn't cost anything to send the texts (in theory). I'd certainly stay logged into the page and help folks. On 24/06/11 12:53, scoundrel50a wrote: Ok, I been thinking about this for a while, since somebody helped me a short while ago, with this backlight problem, by using ssh to access my computer. I spent somewhere in the region of about 8 hours asking various people to help, on I think it was three different Ubuntu channels. We were going back and forth and it was frustrating, even more frustrating for the person helping. Then in about 5 minutes, accessing the computer via ssh it was proved to be unworkable in the present Kernel. I know, after being around Ubuntu for about 4 near 5 years, a lot of problems can be sorted or at least discovered quite quickly using the terminal. Wouldnt it be more viable and less frustrating, if after a short period of time, either an offer of payment for direct ssh connection was made there and then, or it was booked for sometime later. That way, it becomes than just time not well spent. Surely it would save a lot of effort.just a few thoughts. -- *Ronnie Tucker* Ronnie Tucker *Web:* RonnieTucker.co.uk http://ronnietucker.co.uk email Ronnie Tucker *Email:* ron...@ronnietucker.co.uk mailto:ron...@ronnietucker.co.uk Twitter *Twitter:* twitter.com/ronnietucker http://twitter.com/ronnietucker Facebook *Facebook:* facebook.com/artistronnietucker http://www.facebook.com/artistronnietucker Facebook *Facebook:* facebook.com/pet.wildlife.and.people.portraits http://www.facebook.com/pet.wildlife.and.people.portraits MSN *MSN:* ronnietuc...@hotmail.com mailto:ronnietuc...@hotmail.com Ubuntu *Official Ubuntu Member* Registered Ubuntu user: Ubuntu Counter # 18227 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
Ronnie Tucker wrote: How about a site/page where people who have Ubuntu installed could go for help. This site/page would have volunteers logged in and waiting for folks needing help. When the person needing help types something into a text box on the page, or picks a problem from a list, the volunteers who are all logged in would get an audible ping. First one to click a big 'I'll help!' button gets to help the person. The click idea (rather than being assigned a person) is that if someone wanted help with servers then I wouldn't click as I'm clueless about servers. Anyway, the first thing the helper would do is guide the person (in text chat) on how to enable remote access. Once that's done the helper can text chat while visually showing the person how to do whatever it is they need help with. Taking it a step further could be that the helper could Skype the person (if available on both ends), or have the site SMS (text) volunteers to say that there's someone needing help, but no helpers logged in. There are Android/iPhone apps that allow receiving 'texts' through data, so it wouldn't cost anything to send the texts (in theory). I'd certainly stay logged into the page and help folks. This sounds a lot like IRC but without the peer review. Either way, I think a current problem at the minute is the amount of places there are to go for help with Ubuntu - I'm not convinced yet more are needed. -- Avi -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 10:11, Alan Pope wrote: As a team we do stuff for the Ubuntu. Most of this stuff is based on ideas a few people have had within the team. This includes:- * Support * Advocacy * Promotion * Events I figured it's time to get some fresh ideas. So, simple question:- As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? What would be really good is to just brainstorm, get a bunch of ideas, NOT debate each one into the ground, just come up with ideas, the details can follow later. Here's my starter for 10. UK Team should seek monetary sponsorship from companies and individuals, and invest that sponsorship money in Ubuntu related projects and events in the UK Your turn. Al. I am trying to do what I can here in Paignton. 1. A while back I found a simple flyer / poster purple background but this had no url on for ubuntu so I added one http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3356122/poster-01.png this seems to be a common problem a nice poster but it lacks something really obvious like a web url. 2. Banners On their own these are expensive, we could do with some banners with the ubuntu logo thing on and a website. These can then be put up all over the UK if they can be sourced cheaply. However I can't afford to do this. (see 3) 3. The south wesd loca team seems to be pretty redundant, Is anyone out there willing to help maintain it or should it be just deleted, or have a link to another website.Either that or someone needs to commit to keeping it upto date. the biggest problem is time and money, I lack the latter and lack the expertise to use my time in a way to produce any form of decent poster / flyer let alone come up with wording to appeal to windows users so they are aware of alternatives. I just struggle, with it. there are lots of really nice flyers out there, however they are either customised for 1 location lack basic information like the Ubuntu website (see 1) lack other useful information which reduces their effectiveness I think we do a good job we just need to co-ordinate efforts more. Paul Paul Sutton Cert SLPS (Open) http://www.zleap.net Open Mic nights - Wednesday 8pm to 11pm (14+) Free entry Breakin' Ground - Street dance for young people (8+) Wednesday 6pm (starts May 11th) The Lighthouse,26 Esplanade Road, Paignton 01803 411 812 or e-mail i...@devonmusiccollective.com for more info. 17th September 2011 - Software freedom day -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 17:47, Avi Greenbury wrote: Ronnie Tucker wrote: How about a site/page where people who have Ubuntu installed could go for help. This site/page would have volunteers logged in and waiting for folks needing help. When the person needing help types something into a text box on the page, or picks a problem from a list, the volunteers who are all logged in would get an audible ping. First one to click a big 'I'll help!' button gets to help the person. The click idea (rather than being assigned a person) is that if someone wanted help with servers then I wouldn't click as I'm clueless about servers. Anyway, the first thing the helper would do is guide the person (in text chat) on how to enable remote access. Once that's done the helper can text chat while visually showing the person how to do whatever it is they need help with. Taking it a step further could be that the helper could Skype the person (if available on both ends), or have the site SMS (text) volunteers to say that there's someone needing help, but no helpers logged in. There are Android/iPhone apps that allow receiving 'texts' through data, so it wouldn't cost anything to send the texts (in theory). I'd certainly stay logged into the page and help folks. This sounds a lot like IRC but without the peer review. Either way, I think a current problem at the minute is the amount of places there are to go for help with Ubuntu - I'm not convinced yet more are needed. Well, like I said, I thought it was something that could better utilise the time spent with each person, not the amount of people available, which personally I think is a huge difference.. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 10:26, Alan Bell wrote: personally I think we should be getting companies to sponsor stuff, but I don't think we should be holding money at all. If we want to do something that needs money get someone to pay for it directly, that cuts out a heap of problems and lets us do pretty much the same things. One thing I really want to do is a series of installfests at universities. If you have a local university, or are at one, then please do get in touch with their computing society (usually through the student union) and see if they can arrange an installfest. This would need them to find a suitable room for a few hours, announce it to the students and then we can get a few people who know what they are doing, plus a bunch of CDs to hand out and get Ubuntu installed and running for students. I have tried to contact the Oxford and Cambridge societies and some of the London universities but we need to get this out to all the places we can. This isn't limited to universities of course, any FE colleges or schools or whatever that want to join in can do so. This kind of links with the raceonline stuff too. Alan. I do like this idea. Locally to where I live there is FE college in Paignton, one in Exeter, one in Plymouth and also the Universities in Plymouth and Exeter. I guess it could also be worth maybe speaking to school IT teachers, maybe there might be IT teachers like the one I had when I was at school who run after school IT clubs for students interested in just the basics. My daughter is starting secondary school in September, I'm hoping to find out what sort of things they have in this respect (my daughter might not be so interested herself, she prefers drama but I am planning on introducing her to Scratch this weekend). Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 10:46, john beddard wrote: Start a Social Enterprise that supports Ubuntu LoCo set up and operation. Including support for promotional materials and partner training. Then make this a template for further Social Enterprise start ups. Funny you should mention that, it is one of my long term goals to do something like this, well not just this, but also something along the lines of Free Geek in Torbay when I can raise enough funds to do so. Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
O n Fri, 2011-06-24 at 19:24 +0100, Paul Sutton wrote: we just need to co-ordinate efforts more. I agree with Paul - the wiki pages seem to have a lot of out of date info - which is quite off putting if you are coming in looking for an active community. it would be great to have more poster leaflet templates for use at events and other relevant material that could be tweaked if needed. Finding info and designing stuff, thinking up wording takes a lot of time and effort - we could share what we have centrally and make it easily accessible. If we know there are events coming up such as a release date or software freedom day - we can have material specific to that event for people to use. Install fests can happen at any point - so why not have some material ready - it all makes it so much easier for people to organise on the ground. as Paula said creating 'buzz' at local levels is the best way to get Ubuntu out there on a shoestring we can make it easier for those that want to get out there and create the 'buzz' by providing more info on what has worked at events in the past and up to date downloadable materials for local groups to use. Sarah -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 10:11, Alan Pope wrote: As a team we do stuff for the Ubuntu. Most of this stuff is based on ideas a few people have had within the team. This includes:- * Support * Advocacy * Promotion * Events I figured it's time to get some fresh ideas. So, simple question:- As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? What would be really good is to just brainstorm, get a bunch of ideas, NOT debate each one into the ground, just come up with ideas, the details can follow later. snip Your turn. Maybe contact local companies and see if they are upgrading machines and if they could possibly donate old computers which could be then passed onto local community centres or community groups. I am involved with something along these lines at the moment, we managed to get some old machines donated and got funding from a local charitable trust to pay for a server and we installed an LTSP server and clients running Ubuntu at a community centre. Now the guy running the community centre has managed to secure some old laptops from a local IT company and we're refurbishing them and selling them on at a low cost for folks in the area. The machines are running Linux Mint, but we're spreading the word about FLOSS, and getting shot of a copy of Windows every time :-) I'm sure there are probably non-profit groups and community centres across the country who might welcome an old PC for basic Internet use, or even maybe places like nurseries who might be interested in an old PC to run things like TuxPaint, GCompris, TuxTyping etc. In addition to this, maybe residents near community centres might be interested in basic computer tuition, or a computer club for folks to meet up at (maybe not just limited to Ubuntu, this is what the Exwick Computer Club has done to introduce people from Windows and Mac background to Ubuntu etc). Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:09, Alan Bell wrote: Just like the Yellow Pages, or any other means of selecting a vendor that does not include a reputation based scoring system. We could build our own vendor catalogue with pre-qualification requirements and a reputation system, but lets use what is already there for now, and if anyone wants to contribute a better system (perhaps tied in with loco.ubuntu.com) then they can go do that. Alan I like this idea, that way I guess like eBay feedback, you can find out who does a good job and who to avoid :-) Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
The UK team should be talking to Universities and other public services, doing advocacy and trying to figure out what the obstacles to the adoption of free software are, and how they can be overcome. In fact, it's something I'd like to do myself. Carlos Ferreira -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:47, Alan Bell wrote: stuff not in London is probably a bit of a weakness. London is kind of convenient by train from everywhere so it is generally a reasonable place to do things, but I think it would be great for people in other cities to organise things local to them. That might be pub/cafe meetups, geeknics, installfests, talks at LUG meetings etc. I would say London is inconvenient for me, yes there are reasonable train links, but I'd rather not spend 3 hours on a train there and another 3 hours back. So having something a bit more local would be great. At the moment we have LUG meetings in Devon (now covering areas which are accessable reasonably well from all areas of Devon and into Cornwall). We're finding that we are getting new members at near enough every meeting (at the last Paignton one, someone saw a poster where we were meeting and came and spoke to us). Hopefully as we go along we can include install fests (we've done a couple of installs in Exeter but came across a problem of the desktop we were installing on didn't have wifi, so we had to end up doing a home visit). Would be great if we could get some visits from other Ubuntu-UK members too (although I'd guess if you happen to be on holiday in Torquay with your family the last thing your other half would want is you going to a geeky LUG meet!). Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:51, gazz wrote: I do think that people need face-to-face help and the LUG format doesn't work for most non-techies - and especially for women. Anxiety about who they'll turn to if it goes wrong is a big barrier for most people when thinking about adopting Ubuntu. We've been working on developing models that provide this for 'human beings' ;) I do think that creating 'buzz' at local levels is the best way to get Ubuntu out there on a shoestring. I'd agree with this. A friend of mine came to a LUG meeting a couple of months back, his poor girlfriend was bored to years by all the geek talk. I guess a non-geeky meeting maybe where folks could show things that they'd be interested in would be good. I'm trying to think of it from a non-geek perspective, such as a coffee morning type thing where you can maybe share tips etc. I guess I'd have to speak to some non-geeks and get their opinions as I could be really wrong :-) Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 19:24, Paul Sutton wrote: On 24/06/11 10:11, Alan Pope wrote: As a team we do stuff for the Ubuntu. Most of this stuff is based on ideas a few people have had within the team. This includes:- * Support * Advocacy * Promotion * Events I figured it's time to get some fresh ideas. So, simple question:- As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? What would be really good is to just brainstorm, get a bunch of ideas, NOT debate each one into the ground, just come up with ideas, the details can follow later. Here's my starter for 10. UK Team should seek monetary sponsorship from companies and individuals, and invest that sponsorship money in Ubuntu related projects and events in the UK Your turn. Al. I am trying to do what I can here in Paignton. 1. A while back I found a simple flyer / poster purple background but this had no url on for ubuntu so I added one http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3356122/poster-01.png this seems to be a common problem a nice poster but it lacks something really obvious like a web url. 2. Banners On their own these are expensive, we could do with some banners with the ubuntu logo thing on and a website. These can then be put up all over the UK if they can be sourced cheaply. However I can't afford to do this. (see 3) I presume you mean physical banners? The one we had done for the LUG (1 metre by 3 metres in colour) was about £50. Probably not so bad if it's possible to get sponsorship. 3. The south wesd loca team seems to be pretty redundant, Is anyone out there willing to help maintain it or should it be just deleted, or have a link to another website.Either that or someone needs to commit to keeping it upto date. I think it would be good for those of us in Devon to maybe meet the folks from Somerset and Dorset (and Cornwall if there's anyone down there who isn't already a member of the Devon Cornwall LUG). the biggest problem is time and money, I lack the latter and lack the expertise to use my time in a way to produce any form of decent poster / flyer let alone come up with wording to appeal to windows users so they are aware of alternatives. I just struggle, with it. I agree, and I lack both at the moment. I know someone who does graphic design who could probably come up with a poster design, just need some sort of wording. there are lots of really nice flyers out there, however they are either customised for 1 location lack basic information like the Ubuntu website (see 1) lack other useful information which reduces their effectiveness I think we do a good job we just need to co-ordinate efforts more. Yep that could be useful, such as making the source artwork available for things like posters maybe in SVG, Gimp or OpenOffice format or something like that so it can be modified? Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On Fri, 2011-06-24 at 10:11 +0100, Alan Pope wrote: As a team we do stuff for the Ubuntu. Most of this stuff is based on ideas a few people have had within the team. This includes:- * Support * Advocacy * Promotion * Events I figured it's time to get some fresh ideas. So, simple question:- As a team, what should we be doing within the UK? What would be really good is to just brainstorm, get a bunch of ideas, NOT debate each one into the ground, just come up with ideas, the details can follow later. Here's my starter for 10. UK Team should seek monetary sponsorship from companies and individuals, and invest that sponsorship money in Ubuntu related projects and events in the UK Your turn. Al. 1. Get the Ubuntu name and product known to the general public by having stalls/displays at any public event: fêtes, fairs etc, not just tech specific. 2. Have a supply of pre-loaded laptops (recycled or donated) that can be loaned to people who express an interest, for up to a month at a time. Follow up with help for the full install. This way people can try in safety and at full speed compared with a live CD. Barry T -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 13:51, gazz wrote: I do think that people need face-to-face help and the LUG format doesn't work for most non-techies - and especially for women. Anxiety about who they'll turn to if it goes wrong is a big barrier for most people when thinking about adopting Ubuntu. Very true. It is difficult to persuade my wife to attend even when I will be holding her hand. If the unthinkable happens and I am not around at some point, then she will suddenly have a need to sort wheat from chaff in our home systems, web stores, various test machines, and multiple Ubuntu versions. -- alan cocks Ubuntu user -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 17:21, Ronnie Tucker wrote: How about a site/page where people who have Ubuntu installed could go for help. This site/page would have volunteers logged in and waiting for folks needing help This sounds pretty close to Ubuntuforums to me. I use this frequently to give support to others and also to get support for myself. I prefer Ubuntuforums more than IRC. I have found IRC to be very useful on times I have used it, but I find it pretty cryptic to get it all started correctly and I do not really understand what is connecting etc. Now if I feel intimidated by the IRC cryptic clunkiness, I am sure that real newcomers will be uncomfortable. Forums are seen a lot in Windows World, and have a familiarity. I use teamviewer a lot to help remote friends (non commercial) and although I dislike the proprietary-ness of teamviewer it works well, and can be installed into a live session. -- alan cocks Ubuntu user -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 20:01, Sarah Chard wrote: O n Fri, 2011-06-24 at 19:24 +0100, Paul Sutton wrote: we just need to co-ordinate efforts more. I agree with Paul - the wiki pages seem to have a lot of out of date info - which is quite off putting if you are coming in looking for an active community. we did have a ruthless deleting session, if there is stuff that is out of date then please feel free to delete or update, or report it to the list or something. it would be great to have more poster leaflet templates for use at events and other relevant material that could be tweaked if needed. yes, http://spreadubuntu.org/ is great, and I have submitted stuff there a presentation template http://spreadubuntu.org/en/material/presentation/6-slide-presentation-template and something specific to installfests (which we never actually did) I am happy to update that poster to fit a more narwhalish or ocelotic theme http://spreadubuntu.org/en/material/poster/ubuntu-uk-installfests you can too! Finding info and designing stuff, thinking up wording takes a lot of time and effort - we could share what we have centrally and make it easily accessible. If we know there are events coming up such as a release date or software freedom day - we can have material specific to that event for people to use. Install fests can happen at any point - so why not have some material ready - it all makes it so much easier for people to organise on the ground. as Paula said creating 'buzz' at local levels is the best way to get Ubuntu out there on a shoestring we can make it easier for those that want to get out there and create the 'buzz' by providing more info on what has worked at events in the past and up to date downloadable materials for local groups to use. Sarah -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] What aren't we doing? What should we be doing?
On 24/06/11 22:07, alan c wrote: On 24/06/11 17:21, Ronnie Tucker wrote: How about a site/page where people who have Ubuntu installed could go for help. This site/page would have volunteers logged in and waiting for folks needing help This sounds pretty close to Ubuntuforums to me. I use this frequently to give support to others and also to get support for myself. I prefer Ubuntuforums more than IRC. I have found IRC to be very useful on times I have used it, but I find it pretty cryptic to get it all started correctly and I do not really understand what is connecting etc. Now if I feel intimidated by the IRC cryptic clunkiness, I am sure that real newcomers will be uncomfortable. Forums are seen a lot in Windows World, and have a familiarity. True, but the main difference in my suggestion is that it involves one-to-one help through remote access where you can physically show the person how to do something. Rather than the forum post by post method which can take a while to get things done/explained properly. Some beginners just don't know how to explain what/where the problem is. I use teamviewer a lot to help remote friends (non commercial) and although I dislike the proprietary-ness of teamviewer it works well, and can be installed into a live session. Yeah, something like that would be great for helping folks. -- *Ronnie* -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
