Hi, I maintain a FAQ that is specific to events at <https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/User:Sankarshan/Event_Questions> I'd request that those organizing events give it a quick read. I'd also appreciate feedback in terms of questions that it does not cover or, specifics that it currently doesn't provide answers to.
There is a reason for insisting on a ticket. It allows conversations to be initiated. And, it provides accountability. If you are the event organizer, the best you could do is to provide a heads-up about the event as early as possible. It allows everyone to try and arrange for swag, coax other Fedora participants to pitch their names as speakers. But most importantly, it ensures that one can allot funds. The last minute "I have event day after tomorrow and I need swag" theme that I often see on the lists points to two things (in no particular order): * the event is just an excuse for distributing swag/goodies * there is no objective attached with an event Each event should have an objective and, achievable metrics around a Fedora presence. Including what was the impact of the Fedora centric talks/workshops. Too often than not I see attendance numbers being talked about as success of the event - that isn't a measure at all and, it is one that I absolutely discourage. An event should also be an exercise in collaboration with the entire gamut of Fedora folks in India and, not a last minute announcement. This ensures that as a team there is a collective thought behind making the presence a success. As a brand Fedora is powerful and, is well-known. It should be our constant effort to not make a shoddy job of representing Fedora. For every event that is a last minute announcement followed by running around to get things done, it is a collective failure of the entire team of Fedora folks from India. Pause for a moment to reflect on that. It is not an individual failure - it is a collective disaster because we are letting the project down. Lastly, using swag/goodies to ramp up presence in Fedora workshops isn't the best way of doing things. Sure, I've been around long enough to know that "but there are distributions/projects who give swag away". Getting interested audience converted into potential participants needs much more than swag. It needs a personal story, which is why we insist on being involved in as many parts of Fedora as one can. It also needs an investment in time and, an interest in being a mentor. Being a coach is a tough job, those who stand up to the plate for being counted as coaches have my respect and admiration. I'd love to see the organizers of events provide adequate (say, a month) notice via the ticket. I'd like to see them engage the list in discussion and, more importantly, I'd desire to see them think about the brand, the project and, how it reflects upon them as participants in the project when they do a not-so-good job of it. We are not in the business of producing and distributing swag. We are in the business of advancing what is the most innovative and fundamentally sound project of all times. Let's not mix our priorities. /sankarshan -- sankarshan mukhopadhyay <http://sankarshan.randomink.org/blog/> _______________________________________________ india mailing list [email protected] https://admin.fedoraproject.org/mailman/listinfo/india
