Re: [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld

2008-07-18 Thread Troy Ready
All good thoughts, and I agree. I'm still tentative, but it'll be interesting 
to see what pans out from a colaborative effort.

-Original Message-

From:  "Grant Bowman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subj:  Re: [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld
Date:  Fri Jul 18, 2008 13:48
Size:  4K
To:  "Ubuntu US California" 

Hi Troy,

You and I are thinking along the same lines.  I don't know if you have
considered these things but I'll throw them out for discussion.  Let
me start by saying I would much prefer to have a fully staffed booth
answering all kinds of user questions with CA LoCo logoed banners and
unlimited CDs to give out, both at the booth and in front of Moscone
Center to all attendees that walk in the door plus some kind of cute
handout freebie.  Of course we don't have those kinds of resources.

Given the popularity of the distro and the size of the event I vote
for a bit of caution.  There are very very few CA LoCo members that
live near San Francisco.  Staffing requirements over three full days
plus setup and take down isn't insignificant.  My opinion is that
having an empty booth during the show would not be beneficial to us or
Ubuntu.  What are we going to put in the bare booth?  I know how much
time and effort it takes to make a strong showing at an event like
this.

As we wait to hear through Joe Smith (Yasumoto) and Jono Bacon to see
if space is available for our own booth in the .Org area, even if it's
at no cost, we should take a moment before accepting it.  I am looking
at the overall cost/benefit.  If we do our own booth it means we can't
do other things.  We have to be realistic about what resources we have
before committing them.  I think we need to know one main thing.  How
many CA LoCo members can confirm they are ready/willing/able to
prepare for and participate during the whole event in San Francisco?

I don't see that we would be losing out if we choose to not have our
own booth, especially if we leverage our efforts elsewhere.  There
will be a strong official Ubuntu presence, we wouldn't be letting
anyone down.  LoCos like us are not even intended to replace existing
LUGS, but instead to complement them. [1]  Maybe we can do our own
effort well AND complement other groups well.  However I think we will
have to make choices between the two.

I would hate to get so busy as to ignore the existing efforts that are
well staffed (able to answer user questions) where we might be able to
make a significant and visible difference.  Perhaps other local LUGs
will have booths as well, I don't know yet.  Canonical should have a
booth and have scheduled an Ubucon.  I'm sure there are many talks
being given by Canonical employees.  Some speakers might appreciate
help during the presentations or running to get the cable they forgot,
lol.  Could Canonical use some help?  It's just my opinion, but it
would be good to know before accepting booth space.

-- 
-- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


[1] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LoCoWorkingWithOtherGroups


On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 3:14 PM, Troy Ready <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> (I'm new to this evangelism, and I may not go, so take this with a grain of 
> salt)
>
> The positive aspects of this are certainly huge, but as a LoCo don't we want 
> to be a bit more specific in our effort? I mean, if we're not gonna do a 
> Ubuntu-specific thing, than helping a LUG is good, but it seems like it 
> should be the backup.
>
> Or is my thinking too exclusionary?
>
> -Troy
>
> -Original Message-
>
> From:  "Grant Bowman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subj:  [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld
> Date:  Thu Jul 17, 2008 15:05
> Size:  1K
> To:  "Ubuntu US California" 
>
> The BALUG folks have organized a booth at LinuxWorld and are inviting
> other related groups to participate.  It would be far simpler and we
> could see more of the show ourselves by helping them out rather than
> staffing and manning our own booth.
>
> FYI,
>
> --
> -- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: jim <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Date: Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 7:02 AM
> Subject: [conspire] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld: come help out
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>  There will be a booth for bay area Linux groups and
> related in the .Org Pavilion of this year's LinuxWorld,
> Tuesday August 5 through Thursday August 7, in Moscone
> Center in San Francisco, thanks to the Bay Area Linux
> User Group (BALUG) (in the .Org Pavilion, booth 14).
>
>  If you're going to LinuxWorld any of those three
> days, please stop by and help out at the booth: the
> job is to hang out, talk with other people who are
> working the booth, and talk with people who stop by
> and want to know about the various SF Bay Area Linux
> User Groups and related groups.
>  Even a short stint will help someone who wants a
> break or wants to see a bit of the show. Last year
> there were a lot of fun conversations, and a few
> people brought demo machines.
>
>  If you can't

Re: [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld

2008-07-18 Thread Paul Reiber
Guys - you may want to hook up with whoever's going from SVLUG and/or PenLUG.
Hard to say who's going, has a booth, etc. - best probably to simply
ask on both lists.

I've manned the booths (for Ubuntu-CA, SVLUG, etc) these past few
years, but don't
know whether I'll be able to attend or not this year.  New employer = new rules.

Best regards,
-pbr
http://reiber.org

On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 2:13 PM, Joe Smith <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I just spoke with the LWE rep, and he said that the dotOrg pavillion is
> full, and has no space available. Still no word back from Jono, but I
> presume he's ridiculously busy with LugRadio Live and such, so he'll
> hopefully get back to us soon. I think that there's absolutely nothing wrong
> with participating in a CA LUG booth, and believe that it'll be a lot of fun
> to network a bit more (particularly in the north). I'll send an email out to
> the guys runing the BALUG booth and see what they have to say. Thanks a lot
> for finding out about the booth, Grant. Do you know the guys in BALUG very
> well?
>
> Joe
>
> On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 1:48 PM, Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Troy,
>>
>> You and I are thinking along the same lines.  I don't know if you have
>> considered these things but I'll throw them out for discussion.  Let
>> me start by saying I would much prefer to have a fully staffed booth
>> answering all kinds of user questions with CA LoCo logoed banners and
>> unlimited CDs to give out, both at the booth and in front of Moscone
>> Center to all attendees that walk in the door plus some kind of cute
>> handout freebie.  Of course we don't have those kinds of resources.
>>
>> Given the popularity of the distro and the size of the event I vote
>> for a bit of caution.  There are very very few CA LoCo members that
>> live near San Francisco.  Staffing requirements over three full days
>> plus setup and take down isn't insignificant.  My opinion is that
>> having an empty booth during the show would not be beneficial to us or
>> Ubuntu.  What are we going to put in the bare booth?  I know how much
>> time and effort it takes to make a strong showing at an event like
>> this.
>>
>> As we wait to hear through Joe Smith (Yasumoto) and Jono Bacon to see
>> if space is available for our own booth in the .Org area, even if it's
>> at no cost, we should take a moment before accepting it.  I am looking
>> at the overall cost/benefit.  If we do our own booth it means we can't
>> do other things.  We have to be realistic about what resources we have
>> before committing them.  I think we need to know one main thing.  How
>> many CA LoCo members can confirm they are ready/willing/able to
>> prepare for and participate during the whole event in San Francisco?
>>
>> I don't see that we would be losing out if we choose to not have our
>> own booth, especially if we leverage our efforts elsewhere.  There
>> will be a strong official Ubuntu presence, we wouldn't be letting
>> anyone down.  LoCos like us are not even intended to replace existing
>> LUGS, but instead to complement them. [1]  Maybe we can do our own
>> effort well AND complement other groups well.  However I think we will
>> have to make choices between the two.
>>
>> I would hate to get so busy as to ignore the existing efforts that are
>> well staffed (able to answer user questions) where we might be able to
>> make a significant and visible difference.  Perhaps other local LUGs
>> will have booths as well, I don't know yet.  Canonical should have a
>> booth and have scheduled an Ubucon.  I'm sure there are many talks
>> being given by Canonical employees.  Some speakers might appreciate
>> help during the presentations or running to get the cable they forgot,
>> lol.  Could Canonical use some help?  It's just my opinion, but it
>> would be good to know before accepting booth space.
>>
>> --
>> -- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>>
>>
>> [1] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LoCoWorkingWithOtherGroups
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 3:14 PM, Troy Ready <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>> > (I'm new to this evangelism, and I may not go, so take this with a grain
>> > of salt)
>> >
>> > The positive aspects of this are certainly huge, but as a LoCo don't we
>> > want to be a bit more specific in our effort? I mean, if we're not gonna do
>> > a Ubuntu-specific thing, than helping a LUG is good, but it seems like it
>> > should be the backup.
>> >
>> > Or is my thinking too exclusionary?
>> >
>> > -Troy
>> >
>> > -Original Message-
>> >
>> > From:  "Grant Bowman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>> > Subj:  [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld
>> > Date:  Thu Jul 17, 2008 15:05
>> > Size:  1K
>> > To:  "Ubuntu US California" 
>> >
>> > The BALUG folks have organized a booth at LinuxWorld and are inviting
>> > other related groups to participate.  It would be far simpler and we
>> > could see more of the show ourselves by helping them out rather than
>> > staffing and manning our own booth.
>> >

Re: [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld

2008-07-18 Thread Joe Smith
Cool, thanks for the heads up. I just signed up for an passes to the exhibit
hall and Ubucon, but I still haven't decided on travel/lodging yet. I'll
email BALUG as soon as I get a chance.

Joe

On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 3:31 PM, Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Hey Joe,
>
> Thanks for following up.  Unfortunately I haven't attended a BALUG
> meeting in a few years. A few weeks ago at a Berkeley Unix User's
> Group (BUUG) meeting Daniel (sn9) introduced me to Michael Paoli who
> runs the BALUG group.  I don't think I've met Jim who sent out the
> email.
>
> We may want to understand what we can do/who's attending from our own
> group pretty soon.  Anyone who wants to attend - the registration for
> a free exhibit only pass is only free through Aug 3rd.  After that
> it's $50.  Oops, TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for Early-Bird conference
> pricing for those interested in that.
>
> I have my free pass and I'll be available but not for the whole event.
>
> Cheers,
>
> --
> -- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
>
> On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 2:13 PM, Joe Smith <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > Guys,
> >
> > I just spoke with the LWE rep, and he said that the dotOrg pavillion is
> > full, and has no space available. Still no word back from Jono, but I
> > presume he's ridiculously busy with LugRadio Live and such, so he'll
> > hopefully get back to us soon. I think that there's absolutely nothing
> wrong
> > with participating in a CA LUG booth, and believe that it'll be a lot of
> fun
> > to network a bit more (particularly in the north). I'll send an email out
> to
> > the guys runing the BALUG booth and see what they have to say. Thanks a
> lot
> > for finding out about the booth, Grant. Do you know the guys in BALUG
> very
> > well?
> >
> > Joe
> >
> > On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 1:48 PM, Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi Troy,
> >>
> >> You and I are thinking along the same lines.  I don't know if you have
> >> considered these things but I'll throw them out for discussion.  Let
> >> me start by saying I would much prefer to have a fully staffed booth
> >> answering all kinds of user questions with CA LoCo logoed banners and
> >> unlimited CDs to give out, both at the booth and in front of Moscone
> >> Center to all attendees that walk in the door plus some kind of cute
> >> handout freebie.  Of course we don't have those kinds of resources.
> >>
> >> Given the popularity of the distro and the size of the event I vote
> >> for a bit of caution.  There are very very few CA LoCo members that
> >> live near San Francisco.  Staffing requirements over three full days
> >> plus setup and take down isn't insignificant.  My opinion is that
> >> having an empty booth during the show would not be beneficial to us or
> >> Ubuntu.  What are we going to put in the bare booth?  I know how much
> >> time and effort it takes to make a strong showing at an event like
> >> this.
> >>
> >> As we wait to hear through Joe Smith (Yasumoto) and Jono Bacon to see
> >> if space is available for our own booth in the .Org area, even if it's
> >> at no cost, we should take a moment before accepting it.  I am looking
> >> at the overall cost/benefit.  If we do our own booth it means we can't
> >> do other things.  We have to be realistic about what resources we have
> >> before committing them.  I think we need to know one main thing.  How
> >> many CA LoCo members can confirm they are ready/willing/able to
> >> prepare for and participate during the whole event in San Francisco?
> >>
> >> I don't see that we would be losing out if we choose to not have our
> >> own booth, especially if we leverage our efforts elsewhere.  There
> >> will be a strong official Ubuntu presence, we wouldn't be letting
> >> anyone down.  LoCos like us are not even intended to replace existing
> >> LUGS, but instead to complement them. [1]  Maybe we can do our own
> >> effort well AND complement other groups well.  However I think we will
> >> have to make choices between the two.
> >>
> >> I would hate to get so busy as to ignore the existing efforts that are
> >> well staffed (able to answer user questions) where we might be able to
> >> make a significant and visible difference.  Perhaps other local LUGs
> >> will have booths as well, I don't know yet.  Canonical should have a
> >> booth and have scheduled an Ubucon.  I'm sure there are many talks
> >> being given by Canonical employees.  Some speakers might appreciate
> >> help during the presentations or running to get the cable they forgot,
> >> lol.  Could Canonical use some help?  It's just my opinion, but it
> >> would be good to know before accepting booth space.
> >>
> >> --
> >> -- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >>
> >>
> >> [1] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LoCoWorkingWithOtherGroups
> >>
> >>
> >> On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 3:14 PM, Troy Ready <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >> > (I'm new to this evangelism, and I may not go, so take this with a
> grain
> >> > of salt)
> >> >
> >> > The po

Re: [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld

2008-07-18 Thread Grant Bowman
Hey Joe,

Thanks for following up.  Unfortunately I haven't attended a BALUG
meeting in a few years. A few weeks ago at a Berkeley Unix User's
Group (BUUG) meeting Daniel (sn9) introduced me to Michael Paoli who
runs the BALUG group.  I don't think I've met Jim who sent out the
email.

We may want to understand what we can do/who's attending from our own
group pretty soon.  Anyone who wants to attend - the registration for
a free exhibit only pass is only free through Aug 3rd.  After that
it's $50.  Oops, TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for Early-Bird conference
pricing for those interested in that.

I have my free pass and I'll be available but not for the whole event.

Cheers,

-- 
-- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 2:13 PM, Joe Smith <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I just spoke with the LWE rep, and he said that the dotOrg pavillion is
> full, and has no space available. Still no word back from Jono, but I
> presume he's ridiculously busy with LugRadio Live and such, so he'll
> hopefully get back to us soon. I think that there's absolutely nothing wrong
> with participating in a CA LUG booth, and believe that it'll be a lot of fun
> to network a bit more (particularly in the north). I'll send an email out to
> the guys runing the BALUG booth and see what they have to say. Thanks a lot
> for finding out about the booth, Grant. Do you know the guys in BALUG very
> well?
>
> Joe
>
> On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 1:48 PM, Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Troy,
>>
>> You and I are thinking along the same lines.  I don't know if you have
>> considered these things but I'll throw them out for discussion.  Let
>> me start by saying I would much prefer to have a fully staffed booth
>> answering all kinds of user questions with CA LoCo logoed banners and
>> unlimited CDs to give out, both at the booth and in front of Moscone
>> Center to all attendees that walk in the door plus some kind of cute
>> handout freebie.  Of course we don't have those kinds of resources.
>>
>> Given the popularity of the distro and the size of the event I vote
>> for a bit of caution.  There are very very few CA LoCo members that
>> live near San Francisco.  Staffing requirements over three full days
>> plus setup and take down isn't insignificant.  My opinion is that
>> having an empty booth during the show would not be beneficial to us or
>> Ubuntu.  What are we going to put in the bare booth?  I know how much
>> time and effort it takes to make a strong showing at an event like
>> this.
>>
>> As we wait to hear through Joe Smith (Yasumoto) and Jono Bacon to see
>> if space is available for our own booth in the .Org area, even if it's
>> at no cost, we should take a moment before accepting it.  I am looking
>> at the overall cost/benefit.  If we do our own booth it means we can't
>> do other things.  We have to be realistic about what resources we have
>> before committing them.  I think we need to know one main thing.  How
>> many CA LoCo members can confirm they are ready/willing/able to
>> prepare for and participate during the whole event in San Francisco?
>>
>> I don't see that we would be losing out if we choose to not have our
>> own booth, especially if we leverage our efforts elsewhere.  There
>> will be a strong official Ubuntu presence, we wouldn't be letting
>> anyone down.  LoCos like us are not even intended to replace existing
>> LUGS, but instead to complement them. [1]  Maybe we can do our own
>> effort well AND complement other groups well.  However I think we will
>> have to make choices between the two.
>>
>> I would hate to get so busy as to ignore the existing efforts that are
>> well staffed (able to answer user questions) where we might be able to
>> make a significant and visible difference.  Perhaps other local LUGs
>> will have booths as well, I don't know yet.  Canonical should have a
>> booth and have scheduled an Ubucon.  I'm sure there are many talks
>> being given by Canonical employees.  Some speakers might appreciate
>> help during the presentations or running to get the cable they forgot,
>> lol.  Could Canonical use some help?  It's just my opinion, but it
>> would be good to know before accepting booth space.
>>
>> --
>> -- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>>
>>
>> [1] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LoCoWorkingWithOtherGroups
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 3:14 PM, Troy Ready <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>> > (I'm new to this evangelism, and I may not go, so take this with a grain
>> > of salt)
>> >
>> > The positive aspects of this are certainly huge, but as a LoCo don't we
>> > want to be a bit more specific in our effort? I mean, if we're not gonna do
>> > a Ubuntu-specific thing, than helping a LUG is good, but it seems like it
>> > should be the backup.
>> >
>> > Or is my thinking too exclusionary?
>> >
>> > -Troy
>> >
>> > -Original Message-
>> >
>> > From:  "Grant Bowman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>> > Subj:  [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld
>> > Da

Re: [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld

2008-07-18 Thread Joe Smith
Guys,

I just spoke with the LWE rep, and he said that the dotOrg pavillion is
full, and has no space available. Still no word back from Jono, but I
presume he's ridiculously busy with LugRadio Live and such, so he'll
hopefully get back to us soon. I think that there's absolutely nothing wrong
with participating in a CA LUG booth, and believe that it'll be a lot of fun
to network a bit more (particularly in the north). I'll send an email out to
the guys runing the BALUG booth and see what they have to say. Thanks a lot
for finding out about the booth, Grant. Do you know the guys in BALUG very
well?

Joe

On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 1:48 PM, Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Hi Troy,
>
> You and I are thinking along the same lines.  I don't know if you have
> considered these things but I'll throw them out for discussion.  Let
> me start by saying I would much prefer to have a fully staffed booth
> answering all kinds of user questions with CA LoCo logoed banners and
> unlimited CDs to give out, both at the booth and in front of Moscone
> Center to all attendees that walk in the door plus some kind of cute
> handout freebie.  Of course we don't have those kinds of resources.
>
> Given the popularity of the distro and the size of the event I vote
> for a bit of caution.  There are very very few CA LoCo members that
> live near San Francisco.  Staffing requirements over three full days
> plus setup and take down isn't insignificant.  My opinion is that
> having an empty booth during the show would not be beneficial to us or
> Ubuntu.  What are we going to put in the bare booth?  I know how much
> time and effort it takes to make a strong showing at an event like
> this.
>
> As we wait to hear through Joe Smith (Yasumoto) and Jono Bacon to see
> if space is available for our own booth in the .Org area, even if it's
> at no cost, we should take a moment before accepting it.  I am looking
> at the overall cost/benefit.  If we do our own booth it means we can't
> do other things.  We have to be realistic about what resources we have
> before committing them.  I think we need to know one main thing.  How
> many CA LoCo members can confirm they are ready/willing/able to
> prepare for and participate during the whole event in San Francisco?
>
> I don't see that we would be losing out if we choose to not have our
> own booth, especially if we leverage our efforts elsewhere.  There
> will be a strong official Ubuntu presence, we wouldn't be letting
> anyone down.  LoCos like us are not even intended to replace existing
> LUGS, but instead to complement them. [1]  Maybe we can do our own
> effort well AND complement other groups well.  However I think we will
> have to make choices between the two.
>
> I would hate to get so busy as to ignore the existing efforts that are
> well staffed (able to answer user questions) where we might be able to
> make a significant and visible difference.  Perhaps other local LUGs
> will have booths as well, I don't know yet.  Canonical should have a
> booth and have scheduled an Ubucon.  I'm sure there are many talks
> being given by Canonical employees.  Some speakers might appreciate
> help during the presentations or running to get the cable they forgot,
> lol.  Could Canonical use some help?  It's just my opinion, but it
> would be good to know before accepting booth space.
>
> --
> -- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
>
> [1] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LoCoWorkingWithOtherGroups
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 3:14 PM, Troy Ready <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> > (I'm new to this evangelism, and I may not go, so take this with a grain
> of salt)
> >
> > The positive aspects of this are certainly huge, but as a LoCo don't we
> want to be a bit more specific in our effort? I mean, if we're not gonna do
> a Ubuntu-specific thing, than helping a LUG is good, but it seems like it
> should be the backup.
> >
> > Or is my thinking too exclusionary?
> >
> > -Troy
> >
> > -Original Message-
> >
> > From:  "Grant Bowman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > Subj:  [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld
> > Date:  Thu Jul 17, 2008 15:05
> > Size:  1K
> > To:  "Ubuntu US California" 
> >
> > The BALUG folks have organized a booth at LinuxWorld and are inviting
> > other related groups to participate.  It would be far simpler and we
> > could see more of the show ourselves by helping them out rather than
> > staffing and manning our own booth.
> >
> > FYI,
> >
> > --
> > -- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >
> >
> > -- Forwarded message --
> > From: jim <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > Date: Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 7:02 AM
> > Subject: [conspire] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld: come help out
> > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >
> >  There will be a booth for bay area Linux groups and
> > related in the .Org Pavilion of this year's LinuxWorld,
> > Tuesday August 5 through Thursday August 7, in Moscone
> > Center in San Francisco, thanks to the Bay Area Linux
> > User Group (BALUG) (in the .Org P

Re: [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld

2008-07-18 Thread Grant Bowman
Hi Troy,

You and I are thinking along the same lines.  I don't know if you have
considered these things but I'll throw them out for discussion.  Let
me start by saying I would much prefer to have a fully staffed booth
answering all kinds of user questions with CA LoCo logoed banners and
unlimited CDs to give out, both at the booth and in front of Moscone
Center to all attendees that walk in the door plus some kind of cute
handout freebie.  Of course we don't have those kinds of resources.

Given the popularity of the distro and the size of the event I vote
for a bit of caution.  There are very very few CA LoCo members that
live near San Francisco.  Staffing requirements over three full days
plus setup and take down isn't insignificant.  My opinion is that
having an empty booth during the show would not be beneficial to us or
Ubuntu.  What are we going to put in the bare booth?  I know how much
time and effort it takes to make a strong showing at an event like
this.

As we wait to hear through Joe Smith (Yasumoto) and Jono Bacon to see
if space is available for our own booth in the .Org area, even if it's
at no cost, we should take a moment before accepting it.  I am looking
at the overall cost/benefit.  If we do our own booth it means we can't
do other things.  We have to be realistic about what resources we have
before committing them.  I think we need to know one main thing.  How
many CA LoCo members can confirm they are ready/willing/able to
prepare for and participate during the whole event in San Francisco?

I don't see that we would be losing out if we choose to not have our
own booth, especially if we leverage our efforts elsewhere.  There
will be a strong official Ubuntu presence, we wouldn't be letting
anyone down.  LoCos like us are not even intended to replace existing
LUGS, but instead to complement them. [1]  Maybe we can do our own
effort well AND complement other groups well.  However I think we will
have to make choices between the two.

I would hate to get so busy as to ignore the existing efforts that are
well staffed (able to answer user questions) where we might be able to
make a significant and visible difference.  Perhaps other local LUGs
will have booths as well, I don't know yet.  Canonical should have a
booth and have scheduled an Ubucon.  I'm sure there are many talks
being given by Canonical employees.  Some speakers might appreciate
help during the presentations or running to get the cable they forgot,
lol.  Could Canonical use some help?  It's just my opinion, but it
would be good to know before accepting booth space.

-- 
-- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


[1] https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LoCoWorkingWithOtherGroups


On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 3:14 PM, Troy Ready <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> (I'm new to this evangelism, and I may not go, so take this with a grain of 
> salt)
>
> The positive aspects of this are certainly huge, but as a LoCo don't we want 
> to be a bit more specific in our effort? I mean, if we're not gonna do a 
> Ubuntu-specific thing, than helping a LUG is good, but it seems like it 
> should be the backup.
>
> Or is my thinking too exclusionary?
>
> -Troy
>
> -Original Message-
>
> From:  "Grant Bowman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subj:  [Ubuntu-US-CA] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld
> Date:  Thu Jul 17, 2008 15:05
> Size:  1K
> To:  "Ubuntu US California" 
>
> The BALUG folks have organized a booth at LinuxWorld and are inviting
> other related groups to participate.  It would be far simpler and we
> could see more of the show ourselves by helping them out rather than
> staffing and manning our own booth.
>
> FYI,
>
> --
> -- Grant Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: jim <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Date: Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 7:02 AM
> Subject: [conspire] Common LUG booth at LinuxWorld: come help out
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>  There will be a booth for bay area Linux groups and
> related in the .Org Pavilion of this year's LinuxWorld,
> Tuesday August 5 through Thursday August 7, in Moscone
> Center in San Francisco, thanks to the Bay Area Linux
> User Group (BALUG) (in the .Org Pavilion, booth 14).
>
>  If you're going to LinuxWorld any of those three
> days, please stop by and help out at the booth: the
> job is to hang out, talk with other people who are
> working the booth, and talk with people who stop by
> and want to know about the various SF Bay Area Linux
> User Groups and related groups.
>  Even a short stint will help someone who wants a
> break or wants to see a bit of the show. Last year
> there were a lot of fun conversations, and a few
> people brought demo machines.
>
>  If you can't make it, try to get some printed
> handouts about your group that we can pass out.
>
>  If you can make it, please email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> with times you can be there (morning, mid-day, or
> afternoon) so we can schedule. If you'll be there
> all of one day or two or three days, let me know
> so we can plug you in where c