> I really like the intent of this initiative. I do feel conflicted though, > on the basis that Microsoft is a sponsor of DebConf25.
Hmmm, I wasn't aware that Microsoft is sponsoring DebConf. > To explain: I feel that there could be some moral hazard. Enabling people > to continue to use existing hardware is great -- my understanding is that > it's often the best way to reduce the carbon cost of that hardware -- the > question in my mind is whether Microsoft's sponsorship of Debconf implies > any awareness, principles and commitments in that direction, or whether > it's unrelated. I'm not quite sure where you see the moral hazard. I personally am in no way affiliated with Microsoft, if that's what you're asking. The two complications I _potentially_ see with the Microsoft DebConf sponsorship with respect to the Debian install workshop idea are: - Microsoft might not appreciate this undertaking and not sponsor DebConf the next year around. - Participants might deem it ironic that Microsoft (very indirectly) sponsors the replacement of their very own OS. However, I consider those concerns somewhat far-fetched. > So, as a potential installfest participant I'd be curious whether Microsoft > would be: (1) providing hardware for the installations; (2) permitted to > use their sponsor status to collect information about participant > involvement (or non-involvement, even) in the installfest; (3) able to > claim public relations successes as a result of supporting this effort, > either publicly and/or in conversation with regulators? (1) most certainly not. I'd be _very_ surprised if (2) was even remotely possible. There is no such information sharing described as a sponsor goodie on the [DebConf - Become a Sponsor][0] page or the [sponsorship brochure][1]. I also feel this would be very much against Debian culture. (3) is more tricky to answer as it depends on Microsoft's behavior but I seriously doubt that Microsoft would make the argument to the public or regulators that they support sustainability initiatives by means of sponsoring DebConf. [0]: https://debconf25.debconf.org/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/ [1]: https://media.debconf.org/dc25/fundraising/debconf25_sponsorship_brochure_en.pdf
