[Linux-aus] SFD - Canberra - Post event report

[Daniel Black]

I'd like to thank Linux Australia for their decision to fund the Software 
Freedom Day at a computer fair ($140 though the grants program).

The day attracted 7 volunteers the majority of which attended the market from 
10am opening time until a ~2:30pm close. In this time we talked to ~300 (very 
rough estimate) people about software freedom.

Some comments talking to people are:
* there were a considerable number already using a free/open source operating 
systems predominately Linux
* few expressed any major disatification with Linux
* questions related to disatisification seem to:
 * choice paralysis - there's so much linux to choose from
 * hardware specific issues (e.g. 3G USB devices);
 * dependance on an application Photoshop/games; or
 * disatisification that relate to low software quality and design (that isn't 
FOSS specific).
* A number of visitors where keen to give Linux a go and expressed pain about 
their current lack of freedoms as a deciding factor.

Some metrics:
* 14 people signed up to the canberra linux users group via a paper signup 
list and a number expessed an interest in participating whilst not signing up;
* 7 people signed up to an interest to come to an install fest on the 25th to 
assist them installing linux and a number of others expressed a desire to 
attend.

Over 24 Tuz (LCA2009) where given away covering what we believe to be every 
child (and a few significantly older children) that walked through the place 
(and was interested with parental concent). Many LCA09 t-shirts, notepads and 
bags were given away.

50+ CD were given away - predominately Ubuntu 10.04 burned onto Linux 
Australia CDs. A few OpenCDs (well DVDs) where also given away.

The giving spirit propergated to a nearby stall holder who donated free CD 
sleeves and this will be used with the remaining LA blank CDs for future 
events.

A OLPC was displayed and recognised a reasonable number of stall visitors. A 
reasonable number of people were curious supsequently impressed at the quality 
and cost of the device and its philanthropic cause.

Further questions welcome offlist. I'll post a summary of Q&A to the LA list 
only rather than answer every question on-list or further cross-posting.

Thanks for all the volunteers, those that attended, those that participated in 
the leadup that made this happen, and thanks Linux Australia for your funding 
and material stock.

Daniel Black
(organiser SFD Canberra)