On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 2:05 AM, Abhradip mukherjeeabhradip@freedomnetwork.co.cc wrote:

A new structure might help. Here's a proposal. We can introduce a thing called "Free Media Program" and under this program we can distribute DVD and other medias to people who apply for them. Names of all "Free Media Person"(from now FMP) will be listed on OpenSUSE website (wiki) for general people to find out. Each "FMP" will be given a set of DVD medias. People finding the "FMP" for their locality will visit him/her and will ask for DVD medias. The "FMP" then will collect a DVD replacement from the person and will give him a "copy" of the DVD. This way individual need can be satisfied.

So, volunteers would burn copies of openSUSE on DVD and then swap the DVD for blank media?

I like the idea, but how do we keep people from confusing that with other efforts to give promo DVDs?

As for the events, DVD is not everything. Events require banners (atleast designs for such should be provided), batches and other swags (Like T-Shirts for main organizers sent in an Event Box), some amount of financial help and speakers. In case of Fedora, financial help is provided to a selected set of ambassadors, who represent a particular region on earth. The steering committee is formed of such people. "They don't have any country leader system for a particular country". As for OpenSUSE it now depends on us whether we will implement a country based system or a region based system. As far as speakers are concerned a list should be maintained. Any ways I am always ready for any charge of maintaining DVDs for my region :)

Yes, DVDs aren't everything -- but, for now, it's where we're starting. :-)

There's a method to the madness: First step is to identify reliable and active ambassadors. Second step is to get to the steering committee stage.

Yes, we do need a speaker's list but that's a separate discussion from providing DVDs for now. If you want to start a new thread on that and start that, it would be outstanding.

Thanks for volunteering, I've got a list of volunteers that I'll be getting in touch with shortly.

Best,

Zonker