[FreeGeek] Meeting #2

[stephan at buckmaster.ca]

Hi everyone,

I couldn't make it to the meeting yesterday, as much as I would have liked to.

As a small introduction -- I'm a software developer; given free time of 1-5 hours I usually have no problem getting a processor to heat up and use up all kinds of ram and disk space using free math software and my own search algorithms.

Just about a year ago I tried to set up shop to sell Linux machines; together with a partner I found through the Vancouver Linux User Group. We were pretty excited at the beginning, but found the interest close to zero. (We might not be experts at marketing but we put out a lot of posters and brochures) 

But freegeek is taking a different approach and I feel it is much more likely to make a difference. 

I'm hoping for a good location for the Vancouver Freegeek - as publically accessible as possible; maybe Commercial Drive.

Three points:

**** I thought three directors was enough to start a non-profit. 

**** I also thought that directors cannot also be paid staff. If a book would help I wouldn't mind buying one for the Freegeek.

**** Something else I think would be good to decide on is the position with respect to free/ maybe not so free but it works software.

For example, one can get a license to distribute MP3 players from 
http://www.fluendo.com/press/releases/PR-2005-05.html
or see 
http://www.fluendo.com/press/releases/PR-2006-01.html
for DVDs
(This is about distribution not using it yourself)

How does Portland deal with that?


Cheers

Stephan

At Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:24:00 -0800 , sean at seanhill.ca wrote: 

>Hi everyone,
>
>I was very inspired by FreeGeek Portland when I made my trip down at the
>beginning of the summer. Their operation is grand and impressive. It's
>now great to see so much enthusiasm for something similar in Vancouver.
>
>David,
>
>One thing I'd like to chirp in for on your fact mission is as much info
>as possible on the software systems they're using in Portland,
>specifically for testing and administration.
>
>ie) what publicly available packages/software are being used and what
>have they designed in house that they might make available to freegeek
>vancouver.
>
>sean  :o)
>
>
>David Repa wrote:
>> Hello Everyone,
>>
>> A big thanks to everyone who came out to the first meeting.  All the
>> amazing ideas and skills everyone brings with them is really
>> promising.  Kudos to Scott for suggesting the Brickhouse, what a sweet
>> little spot.
>>
>> The purposed next meeting is Nov. 27(its a Monday).  Why so far away?
>> Well, the fact finding mission from Portland will have returned with
>> more info to chew on.  If this date is a problem for anyone please
>> speak up.
>>
>> As we know there is a lot to talk and think about.  I hope  we can
>> continue discussing  some of the ideas we brought up in person here on
>> this forum.  I look forward to hearing from everyone and seeing you
>> all again soon!
>>
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