SFD - Lessons Learned
Peter Larsen
lot of fun and we couldn't have asked for better weather. Everything
worked as coordinated, we even had lots of extras and we were absolutely
ready for a huge turnout. All in our newly printed and very fancy white
T-shirts!
However, as those of us who made it there know, we also had a problem:
Very few stopped by our booth/stand. While the traffic was a lot more
than we ever had at the library, people did not seem to be on the street
looking for us or materials. It seemed to me, that once the whole family
is on the move, stopping and talking "shop" isn't an option. And for the
young folks, I think they thought more in the direction of: If I take
that flyer and CD I'll have one less hand to carry my beer and
brakwurst!
So we stood there and never had a situation where all 6 of us were busy
talking OpenSource with "customers". But I must admit I enjoyed talking
shop among ourselves ....
So what can we learn from this? Well, it's my attempt to start a thread
to see what we as a group should consider for the next SFD event.
So here's my 10 cents of suggestions:
1) We definitely should do it again. While I think the subject may be a
bit too academic for the basic computer user I think bringing awareness
about software choices and the advantages of open source is important.
Even if it isn't Linux all the way ... *smile*
2) Avoid conflicting with a major event like Octoberfest. If SFD collide
with a major event like this again, we may consider doing our FredLug
SFD a week or two offset?
3) Advertising. While I don't trust the Freelance Star to EVER have a
working website, we need to find a way to get the word out. I remember
that in the previous years Paul had the honor of being interviewed by
the paper and promoting the event from there. It may be something we
should look into getting done on a more regular basis with the local
paper(s)?
4) ... ?
Well, it's a beginning. Anyway - I think the coordination and the event
went GREAT from our perspective. We just didn't have a willing audience.
I for one look forward to next year's event and hope to have a lot of
people stopping by our table and chatting us up for "why a group of
socialists are trying do do the unamerican thing of giving things away
for free ...".
--
Best Regards
Peter Larsen
Wise words of the day:
Is it weird in here, or is it just me?
-- Steven Wright