Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for OSGeoprojects?
On Sat, Jun 4, 2011 at 5:26 PM, Paul Ramsey wrote: > I've done collaborative funding projects by hand a couple times (and > am doing one now: if you are interested in faster PostGIS indexes and > have $5000+ to contribute, contact me) but have been repeatedly > surprised at the lack of infrastructure. Kickstarter is for artists. > I've seen some attempts at collaborative open source funding sites > come and go: are we all just too cheap for this to work? A web search revealed some sites that target that niche. Among them: http://nextsprocket.com/ http://www.fossfactory.org/browse.php But each has less than 50 open bounties: not very promising, IMO. I think the bounty system is sometimes perceived as discouraging to developers that do not participate in it. Camilo ___ Discuss mailing list Discuss@lists.osgeo.org http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for OSGeoprojects?
I've seen (and contributed) to wiki software dev on kickstarter. It was however 1 big fund-raising drive, not a constant bounty system. Alex On 06/04/2011 02:26 PM, Paul Ramsey wrote: > I've done collaborative funding projects by hand a couple times (and > am doing one now: if you are interested in faster PostGIS indexes and > have $5000+ to contribute, contact me) but have been repeatedly > surprised at the lack of infrastructure. Kickstarter is for artists. > I've seen some attempts at collaborative open source funding sites > come and go: are we all just too cheap for this to work? > > P. > > On Sat, Jun 4, 2011 at 12:54 PM, Tyler Mitchell wrote: >> Great to see several conversations coming together and with some enthusiasm >> too! :) I'm very keen to work together with others on these ideas. I've >> also had quite a few discussions with people from the OSGeosphere I've met >> during meetings this week. I'll try to get some of my thoughts down in >> email by Monday too. >> >> Tyler >> >> On 2011-06-03, at 11:02 AM, Duarte Carreira wrote: >> >>> Well this is a coincidence! >>> >>> I also feel that some form of active pursue of funding has to happen. >>> Voluntary initiative to donate funds are a noble approach but one that >>> spurs little participation. >>> >>> It seems clear there is a dividing line where we start to give a negative >>> impression and that should be avoided at all costs. But a well written >>> letter directed/personalized to specific organizations that are known to be >>> big/strong adopters should be well received, and met with a significant >>> success rate. It's not a shakedown, it's a plea for help. >>> >>> This or any other variant for that matter. The key is doing active pursue >>> of funding. But this is not resonating as much as I thought it would... >>> >>> Duarte >>> >>> >>> -Mensagem original- >>> De: Eli Adam [mailto:ea...@co.lincoln.or.us] >>> Enviada: sexta-feira, 3 de Junho de 2011 17:41 >>> Para: OSGeo Discussions >>> Cc: Duarte Carreira >>> Assunto: Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for >>> OSGeoprojects? >>> >>> Duarte, >>> >>> I agree with you and have similar ideas. I just recently sent an email >>> similar (cites National Public Radio and Wikipedia examples) to these ideas >>> to the Board. http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/board/2011-June/003816.html >>> The premise of my idea is that there are numerous agencies and companies >>> that have employees with minor budgetary authority to spend ~$500 on >>> software and these individuals are often using OSGeo projects and getting >>> assistance using these OSGeo projects on the email lists and IRC. It makes >>> sense that these people might be involved in sponsorship. What do others >>> think? >>> >>> Although not heavily promoted, OSGeo and some projects can accept money >>> through OSGeo here, http://www.osgeo.org/sponsorship/opportunities Some >>> have $500 minimums. >>> >>> Here is the content of that email: >>> >>> Board, >>> >>> I started this email about six months ago and wanted to keep refining it >>> and adding bits, but, it seems to be the opportune time to send it since it >>> is a current topic for the Board (and it is already far too long - perhaps >>> I should have spend more time removing not adding). >>> >>> I have some ideas pertaining to fundraising that I did not find previously >>> discussed on the board or fundraising email lists. Searching the wiki and >>> board minutes didn't turn up this discussion either. Perhaps these ideas >>> have already been discussed and discarded in other venues. I think that >>> OSGEO projects could get substantial funds from many corporate and agency >>> users in $500-$2,000 increments on an annual basis. >>> >>> I am thinking of a fundraiser very similar to the National Public Radio >>> style in the States. That is that for one week instead of providing high >>> quality, commercial free, respected news and music, they focus at least 50% >>> of the time on fundraising. In addition to changing the focus to >>> fundraising they use all methods possible to fundraise. The methods seem >>> almost extreme. It verges on berating, guilt, coercion, and other less >>>
Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for OSGeoprojects?
I've done collaborative funding projects by hand a couple times (and am doing one now: if you are interested in faster PostGIS indexes and have $5000+ to contribute, contact me) but have been repeatedly surprised at the lack of infrastructure. Kickstarter is for artists. I've seen some attempts at collaborative open source funding sites come and go: are we all just too cheap for this to work? P. On Sat, Jun 4, 2011 at 12:54 PM, Tyler Mitchell wrote: > Great to see several conversations coming together and with some enthusiasm > too! :) I'm very keen to work together with others on these ideas. I've > also had quite a few discussions with people from the OSGeosphere I've met > during meetings this week. I'll try to get some of my thoughts down in email > by Monday too. > > Tyler > > On 2011-06-03, at 11:02 AM, Duarte Carreira wrote: > >> Well this is a coincidence! >> >> I also feel that some form of active pursue of funding has to happen. >> Voluntary initiative to donate funds are a noble approach but one that spurs >> little participation. >> >> It seems clear there is a dividing line where we start to give a negative >> impression and that should be avoided at all costs. But a well written >> letter directed/personalized to specific organizations that are known to be >> big/strong adopters should be well received, and met with a significant >> success rate. It's not a shakedown, it's a plea for help. >> >> This or any other variant for that matter. The key is doing active pursue of >> funding. But this is not resonating as much as I thought it would... >> >> Duarte >> >> >> -Mensagem original----- >> De: Eli Adam [mailto:ea...@co.lincoln.or.us] >> Enviada: sexta-feira, 3 de Junho de 2011 17:41 >> Para: OSGeo Discussions >> Cc: Duarte Carreira >> Assunto: Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for >> OSGeoprojects? >> >> Duarte, >> >> I agree with you and have similar ideas. I just recently sent an email >> similar (cites National Public Radio and Wikipedia examples) to these ideas >> to the Board. http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/board/2011-June/003816.html >> The premise of my idea is that there are numerous agencies and companies >> that have employees with minor budgetary authority to spend ~$500 on >> software and these individuals are often using OSGeo projects and getting >> assistance using these OSGeo projects on the email lists and IRC. It makes >> sense that these people might be involved in sponsorship. What do others >> think? >> >> Although not heavily promoted, OSGeo and some projects can accept money >> through OSGeo here, http://www.osgeo.org/sponsorship/opportunities Some >> have $500 minimums. >> >> Here is the content of that email: >> >> Board, >> >> I started this email about six months ago and wanted to keep refining it and >> adding bits, but, it seems to be the opportune time to send it since it is a >> current topic for the Board (and it is already far too long - perhaps I >> should have spend more time removing not adding). >> >> I have some ideas pertaining to fundraising that I did not find previously >> discussed on the board or fundraising email lists. Searching the wiki and >> board minutes didn't turn up this discussion either. Perhaps these ideas >> have already been discussed and discarded in other venues. I think that >> OSGEO projects could get substantial funds from many corporate and agency >> users in $500-$2,000 increments on an annual basis. >> >> I am thinking of a fundraiser very similar to the National Public Radio >> style in the States. That is that for one week instead of providing high >> quality, commercial free, respected news and music, they focus at least 50% >> of the time on fundraising. In addition to changing the focus to >> fundraising they use all methods possible to fundraise. The methods seem >> almost extreme. It verges on berating, guilt, coercion, and other less >> dignified methods. Here are some clips that highlight some of these methods >> although mixed with humor, http://www.vpr.net/episode/49677/ If you have >> never listened to a NPR style fundraiser, I would suggest listening to one >> (although I also suggest listening to the station for a week without >> fundraiser to experience some of the more positive aspects of NPR). There >> should be one on internet radio currently, perhaps someone can send out a >> link when their local station is fu
Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for OSGeoprojects?
Great to see several conversations coming together and with some enthusiasm too! :) I'm very keen to work together with others on these ideas. I've also had quite a few discussions with people from the OSGeosphere I've met during meetings this week. I'll try to get some of my thoughts down in email by Monday too. Tyler On 2011-06-03, at 11:02 AM, Duarte Carreira wrote: > Well this is a coincidence! > > I also feel that some form of active pursue of funding has to happen. > Voluntary initiative to donate funds are a noble approach but one that spurs > little participation. > > It seems clear there is a dividing line where we start to give a negative > impression and that should be avoided at all costs. But a well written letter > directed/personalized to specific organizations that are known to be > big/strong adopters should be well received, and met with a significant > success rate. It's not a shakedown, it's a plea for help. > > This or any other variant for that matter. The key is doing active pursue of > funding. But this is not resonating as much as I thought it would... > > Duarte > > > -Mensagem original- > De: Eli Adam [mailto:ea...@co.lincoln.or.us] > Enviada: sexta-feira, 3 de Junho de 2011 17:41 > Para: OSGeo Discussions > Cc: Duarte Carreira > Assunto: Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for > OSGeoprojects? > > Duarte, > > I agree with you and have similar ideas. I just recently sent an email > similar (cites National Public Radio and Wikipedia examples) to these ideas > to the Board. http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/board/2011-June/003816.html > The premise of my idea is that there are numerous agencies and companies that > have employees with minor budgetary authority to spend ~$500 on software and > these individuals are often using OSGeo projects and getting assistance using > these OSGeo projects on the email lists and IRC. It makes sense that these > people might be involved in sponsorship. What do others think? > > Although not heavily promoted, OSGeo and some projects can accept money > through OSGeo here, http://www.osgeo.org/sponsorship/opportunities Some have > $500 minimums. > > Here is the content of that email: > > Board, > > I started this email about six months ago and wanted to keep refining it and > adding bits, but, it seems to be the opportune time to send it since it is a > current topic for the Board (and it is already far too long - perhaps I > should have spend more time removing not adding). > > I have some ideas pertaining to fundraising that I did not find previously > discussed on the board or fundraising email lists. Searching the wiki and > board minutes didn't turn up this discussion either. Perhaps these ideas > have already been discussed and discarded in other venues. I think that > OSGEO projects could get substantial funds from many corporate and agency > users in $500-$2,000 increments on an annual basis. > > I am thinking of a fundraiser very similar to the National Public Radio style > in the States. That is that for one week instead of providing high quality, > commercial free, respected news and music, they focus at least 50% of the > time on fundraising. In addition to changing the focus to fundraising they > use all methods possible to fundraise. The methods seem almost extreme. It > verges on berating, guilt, coercion, and other less dignified methods. Here > are some clips that highlight some of these methods although mixed with > humor, http://www.vpr.net/episode/49677/ If you have never listened to a NPR > style fundraiser, I would suggest listening to one (although I also suggest > listening to the station for a week without fundraiser to experience some of > the more positive aspects of NPR). There should be one on internet radio > currently, perhaps someone can send out a link when their local station is > fundraising. In all the fundraising the focus is that NPR provides unique, > high quality, commercial free, respected news and music and that you, yes > you, can help provide that unique, high quality, commercial free, respected > news and music that you and others value so much. This is impressed upon you > in that familiar authoritative NPR voice which you have come to trust and > respect over the years. > > NPR has the benefit that people listen to the radio for extended periods of > time at home, at work, and in the car going places. To adopt that approach > to OSGeo, would be project mailing lists, IRC channels, websites, and other > communication methods. From the mailing lists, it is clear that most users > regard OSGeo develop
Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for OSGeoprojects?
Hi, I totally share the vision of Robert and I think there are some web pages making this[1] a bit easier. I have no experience with them but I think the main idea is that they don't charge the user unless the critical amount is reached and, therefore, the project started. I think it may encourage people to fund. In [1], it seems projects has to be accepted, so having such a system dedicated for osgeo projects would make sense I guess. Please, don't take me too seriously, I'm just brainstorming... Regards. [1] I guess there are plenty of them, but the only one I know in english is http://www.kickstarter.com/ On Sat, Jun 4, 2011 at 6:28 PM, Robert Hollingsworth wrote: > > I've been discussing variations on an idea for a while with various people: > > Form pools of users around specific application functionality that the users > share > a need for. They team up with developers to collaboratively specify and > develop > software. The users in the pool contribute a fraction of the total cost of > the project. > > It's not a radically different model from what happens in open source > development all the time, but the user sees a more direct benefit resulting > from > their financial contribution: "I'm spending US$1000.00 as my share of > extending > so-and-so project with the such-and-such capability I need right now." This > seems like a stronger funding recruitment than "I'm contributing US$1000.00 to > project so-and-so, and I hope the such-and-such capability I need shows up > soon." And definitely more attractive than "I'm footing the entire cost of > US$22,000.00 to hire consultants to extend project so-and-so with the > such-and-such capability I need." > > From a developer's perspective, this also seems like a natural progression on > the > continuum that begins with the traditional closed-source, license-driven > "develop- > once-sell-many" model. From my own perspective, I'd certainly enjoy > repeatedly > being paid to create essentially the same $22,000.00 product for multiple > users, > but realize it's better to have them collectively pay me $22,000.00 ONCE for > something they all use, than to have NONE of them pay me anything because > they cannot afford to individually finance the entire project. > > Having said all that, I can think of many reasons why this type of funding > structure would be difficult to set up and maintain. I may elaborate on > these in a > followup message, but in the meantime I'd like to hear what others think about > this kind of approach. > > Robert H. > > *** TOTALLY IGNORE this test paragraph to see if my web mail editor > generates ridiculously long auto line wraps when I post to OSGeo mail lists, > which is what I think I have observed before when I don't manually insert > line breaks. If this does NOT generate a ridiculously long message which > requires horizontal scroll to be able to read each line, then I apologize for > this ridiculously long test paragraph! *** > > Duarte, > > I agree with you and have similar ideas. I just recently sent an email > similar (cites National Public Radio and Wikipedia examples) to these ideas > to the Board. http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/board/2011-June/003816.html > The premise of my idea is that there are numerous agencies and companies that > have employees with minor budgetary authority to spend ~$500 on software and > these individuals are often using OSGeo projects and getting assistance using > these OSGeo projects on the email lists and IRC. It makes sense that these > people might be involved in sponsorship. What do others think? > > Although not heavily promoted, OSGeo and some projects can accept money > through OSGeo here, http://www.osgeo.org/sponsorship/opportunities Some have > $500 minimums. > > Here is the content of that email: > > Board, > > I started this email about six months ago and wanted to keep refining it and > adding bits, but, it seems to be the opportune time to send it since it is a > current topic for the Board (and it is already far too long - perhaps I > should have spend more time removing not adding). > > I have some ideas pertaining to fundraising that I did not find previously > discussed on the board or fundraising email lists. Searching the wiki and > board minutes didn't turn up this discussion either. Perhaps these ideas > have already been discussed and discarded in other venues. I think that > OSGEO projects could get substantial funds from many corporate and agency > users in $500-$2,000 increments on an annual basis. > > I am thinking of a fundraiser very similar to the National Public Radio style > in the States. That is that for one week instead of providing high quality, > commercial free, respected news and music, they focus at least 50% of the > time on fundraising. In addition to changing the focus to fundraising they > use all methods possible to fundraise. The methods seem almost extreme.
Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for OSGeoprojects?
I've been discussing variations on an idea for a while with various people: Form pools of users around specific application functionality that the users share a need for. They team up with developers to collaboratively specify and develop software. The users in the pool contribute a fraction of the total cost of the project. It's not a radically different model from what happens in open source development all the time, but the user sees a more direct benefit resulting from their financial contribution: "I'm spending US$1000.00 as my share of extending so-and-so project with the such-and-such capability I need right now." This seems like a stronger funding recruitment than "I'm contributing US$1000.00 to project so-and-so, and I hope the such-and-such capability I need shows up soon." And definitely more attractive than "I'm footing the entire cost of US$22,000.00 to hire consultants to extend project so-and-so with the such-and-such capability I need." >From a developer's perspective, this also seems like a natural progression on >the continuum that begins with the traditional closed-source, license-driven "develop- once-sell-many" model. From my own perspective, I'd certainly enjoy repeatedly being paid to create essentially the same $22,000.00 product for multiple users, but realize it's better to have them collectively pay me $22,000.00 ONCE for something they all use, than to have NONE of them pay me anything because they cannot afford to individually finance the entire project. Having said all that, I can think of many reasons why this type of funding structure would be difficult to set up and maintain. I may elaborate on these in a followup message, but in the meantime I'd like to hear what others think about this kind of approach. Robert H. *** TOTALLY IGNORE this test paragraph to see if my web mail editor generates ridiculously long auto line wraps when I post to OSGeo mail lists, which is what I think I have observed before when I don't manually insert line breaks. If this does NOT generate a ridiculously long message which requires horizontal scroll to be able to read each line, then I apologize for this ridiculously long test paragraph! *** Duarte, I agree with you and have similar ideas. I just recently sent an email similar (cites National Public Radio and Wikipedia examples) to these ideas to the Board. http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/board/2011-June/003816.html The premise of my idea is that there are numerous agencies and companies that have employees with minor budgetary authority to spend ~$500 on software and these individuals are often using OSGeo projects and getting assistance using these OSGeo projects on the email lists and IRC. It makes sense that these people might be involved in sponsorship. What do others think? Although not heavily promoted, OSGeo and some projects can accept money through OSGeo here, http://www.osgeo.org/sponsorship/opportunities Some have $500 minimums. Here is the content of that email: Board, I started this email about six months ago and wanted to keep refining it and adding bits, but, it seems to be the opportune time to send it since it is a current topic for the Board (and it is already far too long - perhaps I should have spend more time removing not adding). I have some ideas pertaining to fundraising that I did not find previously discussed on the board or fundraising email lists. Searching the wiki and board minutes didn't turn up this discussion either. Perhaps these ideas have already been discussed and discarded in other venues. I think that OSGEO projects could get substantial funds from many corporate and agency users in $500-$2,000 increments on an annual basis. I am thinking of a fundraiser very similar to the National Public Radio style in the States. That is that for one week instead of providing high quality, commercial free, respected news and music, they focus at least 50% of the time on fundraising. In addition to changing the focus to fundraising they use all methods possible to fundraise. The methods seem almost extreme. It verges on berating, guilt, coercion, and other less dignified methods. Here are some clips that highlight some of these methods although mixed with humor, http://www.vpr.net/episode/49677/ If you have never listened to a NPR style fundraiser, I would suggest listening to one (although I also suggest listening to the station for a week without fundraiser to experience some of the more positive aspects of NPR). There should be one on internet radio currently, perhaps someone can send out a link when their local station is fundraising. In all the fundraising the focus is that NPR provides unique, high quality, commercial free, respected news and music and that you, yes you, can help provide that unique, high quality, commercial free, respected news and music that you and others value so m
RE: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for OSGeoprojects?
Well this is a coincidence! I also feel that some form of active pursue of funding has to happen. Voluntary initiative to donate funds are a noble approach but one that spurs little participation. It seems clear there is a dividing line where we start to give a negative impression and that should be avoided at all costs. But a well written letter directed/personalized to specific organizations that are known to be big/strong adopters should be well received, and met with a significant success rate. It's not a shakedown, it's a plea for help. This or any other variant for that matter. The key is doing active pursue of funding. But this is not resonating as much as I thought it would... Duarte -Mensagem original- De: Eli Adam [mailto:ea...@co.lincoln.or.us] Enviada: sexta-feira, 3 de Junho de 2011 17:41 Para: OSGeo Discussions Cc: Duarte Carreira Assunto: Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for OSGeoprojects? Duarte, I agree with you and have similar ideas. I just recently sent an email similar (cites National Public Radio and Wikipedia examples) to these ideas to the Board. http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/board/2011-June/003816.html The premise of my idea is that there are numerous agencies and companies that have employees with minor budgetary authority to spend ~$500 on software and these individuals are often using OSGeo projects and getting assistance using these OSGeo projects on the email lists and IRC. It makes sense that these people might be involved in sponsorship. What do others think? Although not heavily promoted, OSGeo and some projects can accept money through OSGeo here, http://www.osgeo.org/sponsorship/opportunities Some have $500 minimums. Here is the content of that email: Board, I started this email about six months ago and wanted to keep refining it and adding bits, but, it seems to be the opportune time to send it since it is a current topic for the Board (and it is already far too long - perhaps I should have spend more time removing not adding). I have some ideas pertaining to fundraising that I did not find previously discussed on the board or fundraising email lists. Searching the wiki and board minutes didn't turn up this discussion either. Perhaps these ideas have already been discussed and discarded in other venues. I think that OSGEO projects could get substantial funds from many corporate and agency users in $500-$2,000 increments on an annual basis. I am thinking of a fundraiser very similar to the National Public Radio style in the States. That is that for one week instead of providing high quality, commercial free, respected news and music, they focus at least 50% of the time on fundraising. In addition to changing the focus to fundraising they use all methods possible to fundraise. The methods seem almost extreme. It verges on berating, guilt, coercion, and other less dignified methods. Here are some clips that highlight some of these methods although mixed with humor, http://www.vpr.net/episode/49677/ If you have never listened to a NPR style fundraiser, I would suggest listening to one (although I also suggest listening to the station for a week without fundraiser to experience some of the more positive aspects of NPR). There should be one on internet radio currently, perhaps someone can send out a link when their local station is fundraising. In all the fundraising the focus is that NPR provides unique, high quality, commercial free, respected news and music and that you, yes you, can help provide that unique, high quality, commercial free, respected news and music that you and others value so much. This is impressed upon you in that familiar authoritative NPR voice which you have come to trust and respect over the years. NPR has the benefit that people listen to the radio for extended periods of time at home, at work, and in the car going places. To adopt that approach to OSGeo, would be project mailing lists, IRC channels, websites, and other communication methods. From the mailing lists, it is clear that most users regard OSGeo developers very highly. If these respected developers asked for $500 support from users once a year, I think that many would respond. Developers routinely add new formats, functions, fix bugs, answer 10 of thousands of questions through email and IRC, and otherwise are very responsive to the users. If these developers spent one week a year asking for support and boasting their project's accomplishments, users would respond. Following in the NPR style, some large donor could offer a limited time match. Company X will match your donation, thus doubling it, up to $1,500 if you donate in the next 24 hours. We need you to donate to help us get that $1,500. http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/How_Can_I_Help websites, planet.osgeo.org, personal blogs, developer signatures used on the email list
Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Are there proposed ways to raise funds for OSGeoprojects?
Duarte, I agree with you and have similar ideas. I just recently sent an email similar (cites National Public Radio and Wikipedia examples) to these ideas to the Board. http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/board/2011-June/003816.html The premise of my idea is that there are numerous agencies and companies that have employees with minor budgetary authority to spend ~$500 on software and these individuals are often using OSGeo projects and getting assistance using these OSGeo projects on the email lists and IRC. It makes sense that these people might be involved in sponsorship. What do others think? Although not heavily promoted, OSGeo and some projects can accept money through OSGeo here, http://www.osgeo.org/sponsorship/opportunities Some have $500 minimums. Here is the content of that email: Board, I started this email about six months ago and wanted to keep refining it and adding bits, but, it seems to be the opportune time to send it since it is a current topic for the Board (and it is already far too long - perhaps I should have spend more time removing not adding). I have some ideas pertaining to fundraising that I did not find previously discussed on the board or fundraising email lists. Searching the wiki and board minutes didn't turn up this discussion either. Perhaps these ideas have already been discussed and discarded in other venues. I think that OSGEO projects could get substantial funds from many corporate and agency users in $500-$2,000 increments on an annual basis. I am thinking of a fundraiser very similar to the National Public Radio style in the States. That is that for one week instead of providing high quality, commercial free, respected news and music, they focus at least 50% of the time on fundraising. In addition to changing the focus to fundraising they use all methods possible to fundraise. The methods seem almost extreme. It verges on berating, guilt, coercion, and other less dignified methods. Here are some clips that highlight some of these methods although mixed with humor, http://www.vpr.net/episode/49677/ If you have never listened to a NPR style fundraiser, I would suggest listening to one (although I also suggest listening to the station for a week without fundraiser to experience some of the more positive aspects of NPR). There should be one on internet radio currently, perhaps someone can send out a link when their local station is fundraising. In all the fundraising the focus is that NPR provides unique, high quality, commercial free, respected news and music and that you, yes you, can help provide that unique, high quality, commercial free, respected news and music that you and others value so much. This is impressed upon you in that familiar authoritative NPR voice which you have come to trust and respect over the years. NPR has the benefit that people listen to the radio for extended periods of time at home, at work, and in the car going places. To adopt that approach to OSGeo, would be project mailing lists, IRC channels, websites, and other communication methods. From the mailing lists, it is clear that most users regard OSGeo developers very highly. If these respected developers asked for $500 support from users once a year, I think that many would respond. Developers routinely add new formats, functions, fix bugs, answer 10 of thousands of questions through email and IRC, and otherwise are very responsive to the users. If these developers spent one week a year asking for support and boasting their project's accomplishments, users would respond. Following in the NPR style, some large donor could offer a limited time match. Company X will match your donation, thus doubling it, up to $1,500 if you donate in the next 24 hours. We need you to donate to help us get that $1,500. http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/How_Can_I_Help websites, planet.osgeo.org, personal blogs, developer signatures used on the email list and everything else would need to be temporarily changed to focus on fundraising. Just as NPR focuses on "unique, high quality, commercial free, respected news and music and that you, yes you, can help provide that unique, high quality, commercial free, respected news and music that you and others value so much" I think that OSGEO and Projects can focus on the same thing just replacing "news and music" with "Geospatial software and support" I think that this would only work if it were really supported and done by developers. A developer who has helped you individually, answered 10's of 1,000's of questions, fixed bugs for you, added new functionality, etc is far more persuasive than someone who might volunteer just for fundraiser (me) or even Tyler. This could be an opportunity to have people sign themselves up as OSGeo members too. Perhaps donations could include 'premiums' like a shirt and coffee mug. I think that for the States, a good time
