A postcard from UK: I very much welcome the discussions here about Ubuntu Marketing, I am as frustrated as anybody about its apparent lack of profile in some traditional media places.
I thought that writing down my activities here could contribute to some ideas. I have a number of friends and a group who I help with their PCs. I only do Ubuntu, never Windows. I install and maintain on a friends and family basis. I have a number of friends who have asked me to guide them to get a retail 'Ubuntu only' laptop, which I have done. I also support them when the warranty finishes. I currently have two friends asking specifically for retail ubuntu laptops but the prices from specialist vendors are a bit high (global economics?) so they are agonising about buying a windows laptop not knowing that all functions will be working in Ubuntu - double pain. One looks like he is having to buy a windows laptop and I will install Ubuntu on it tomorrow. I hope the webcam works. I write articles in local group magazines. In one article recently I deliberately included my email adress and three dozen readers followed up with specific questions for beginner support for ubuntu, and I followed up with help as needed. These were non techie, but slightly adventurous, long time windows users, who would not want to visit a LUG, LOCO nor (usually) a forum. I am retired, so talking Ubuntu is my chosen full time occupation..... While originally studying I worked part time in a street market selling vegetables, which I enjoyed. My career was in high tech areas, including some senior roles, but not actually IT. Every month I run a display at my local computer market fair on a non trading basis offering information and help re FOSS, albeit quite Ubuntu focussed. I am aware that the onlookers are all Windows users (nearly all) and there is significant FOSS for Windows users which is a start, including getting some ideas across. I have done this for 6 hours per event, with few exceptions monthly, since December 2005. I run Software Freedom days locally when possible. I support relevant display stands at events in the large London Olympia halls - several in recent years, I was part of a small group of FOSS supporters who presented on GNU/Linux to the (then) UK relevant government minister. I give talks and demos to local and other clubs. I have my own leaflets which are targeted and balanced towards the audiences I encounter. I arrange to leave, by agreement, a few 'street level' FOSS leaflets (they do mention Ubuntu too) in local public libraries etc. I talk to managers and staff in local retail shops. Not that this has borne fruit yet, but interesting anyway. I recently toured around Iceland on holiday, and there are now a number of Icelandic computer users who did not know about Ubuntu previously, but now have information they seemed very interested in. I recently emailed my local Councillors (elected representatives) about saving my taxes by them using free software and I offered to demonstrate. This was passed on to my local government IT department who I now find is using linux extensively. I accepted an invitation to visit them tomorrow (for my own interest). This all seems rather a lot, all written down in one place, but I would gladly do much more. I am aware that public facing activities are *not* at all everyone's cup of tea, and it has also taken me a long time to get half competent with contacting establishment figures, however, I do what I can, and I heartily encourage others to also do what they can, whatever and when ever. I would be happy to answer questions if any arise. -- alan cocks Ubuntu user -- ubuntu-marketing mailing list ubuntu-marketing@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-marketing
