Hi, *
First, I'd like to suggest that we focus our attention on what needs
to be done now: prepare for OOoCon and the (eventual) release of 2.0.
Second, I'd like to suggest some policies for conferences and
businesses. I don't think, or anyway hope, that they will be
particularly controversial. The reason for them is to ensure that
OOo, the entire project, is represented as strongly as possible and
that representations are on message: that we are saying essentially
the same thing.
* I would like that for any conference we attend, that we do so as
strongly as possible. This means having the right collateral, CDs,
booth-beings; and it also means that we are all on message. In
practice, that point won't really have much impact, and so far, at
every conference booth I've personally observed, the message has been
well presented. Matthew's and Adam's presentations at OSCON were
exemplary, as were Solveig's and Benjamin's intelligent commentary on
OOo at Comdex 2003. Indeed, if Benjamin, Adam, Matthew and others
want to help they could script some pointers for others, so that it's
easier for the less experienced to talk about OOo. These can be
easily stored in the Docs and Files section of MP.
** Thus, there are several suggestions here, some of them repeating
what others have said (and are already doing):
• Collateral and banners--if groups want to form to develop
this, super. It could involve the Art project, as well as others
• Scripts for booth-beings. These would be helpful talking
points. The idea is to help booth beings with our message and how to
represent OOo.
* Demonstrations of what OOo can do. I tend to think this is
really important... Lots of people are unsure how our Base works, or
Macros, or whatever. We need to have set pieces to demonstrate the
capabilities of the suite.
* As to longer presentations at conferences.... I would like for us
to compile a library of presentations delivered. We had started
something like that before but discontinued it. The idea would be to
help in the creation of compelling presentations. You know,
collaborate. It would also help us refine our message and make it
easier for those about to present on OOo. Along these lines--refining
presentations--we could use IRC for some of this (handling questions,
say) or even devices like Skype, for practice runs.
Speaking for myself, I have given so far this year maybe 15, probably
more, presentations on OOo, throughout the world, and the year has a
quarter to go, at least. These have ranged from large lectures to
presentations on smaller panels and more or less informal
discussions. I know it would be helpful for me to have others
critique my own presentations; I lose sight of how I come across. As
well, though I tend to prefer vanilla presentations (no frills, just
the facts), I've also noted how good some other presentations are,
especially at more business-centric conferences. Having a library we
could all use would help.
The overall point here: If we go to a conference representing OOo, we
need to do so as strongly as possible, and to represent the entire
project.
Third, regarding sponsorship & OOo. This is probably the least
controversial point of non-controversial points. I think we would all
agree that if one goes to a conference representing OOo one is there
to represent OOo and will do so. Of course, that does not mean that
one cannot thank one's sponsors, or otherwise ethically mention one's
sponsor. Nor am I insinuating here that the sponsors of OOo have
ever done anything other than be ethical. I am simply seeking to
clarify things. It would also help if one were to identify one's
sponsorship or affiliation. The point is the eliminate possible
confusion.
Cheers,
Louis
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