[NY State Local Community] Open letter to the Ubuntu NY LoCo

[Joseph Apuzzo]

In the past I have tried to help organize, attend IRC meetings, and when we
had a meet-up in Binghamton I drove the 5 hours to attend.  I have seen more
then 4 different versions of the web site and have followed the email list,
helping where I could. I personally thought the "Ubuntu NY LoCo" was
disbanded until an email showed up on Wednesday, Dec 29, 2010 at 5:02 PM
from none other then Charles P. and thus I was tempted back....

Lessons learned:
1) Handing out Ubuntu CD on a corner does not work. It may make you feel
better but it does not accomplish much if anything at all.
2) Meetings are only good when there is focus. Don't sweat the small stuff.
3) Need to have goals that can be accomplished with the resources at hand.
There are lots of things we want to do, but can they be achieved? If not
then move on to what can be achieved!
4) People do not come to Ubuntu events, they go to events that are focused
on a solution or a trade. Ubuntu is part of a solution so it should be
represented, but NOT the focus.

What is the mission?
Why? Why does the "Ubuntu NY LoCo" need to exist? What does it hope to
accomplish?
We are not part of conical nor do we have there budgets. We are most like
the home teams "super fans" that try and focus there enthusiasm in to
something constructive. Thus we can observe such "super fan" organizations
and use that to guide a set of realistic goals. A "super fan" is focused on
promoting his or her team with the support of the "fan" network. There goal
is to add value to other established events, and or assist the "home team"
with there events. A "super fan" is the center of information and will share
that information ( like it or not ) demonstrating his or her enthusiasm.
Thus the "super fan" analogy is the best fit for any Ubuntu LoCo

Realistic Goals
1) Making sure the local Ubuntu "Super Fan" has materials they need to
promote Ubuntu. As in a good web page for people to start with.
Presentations and Videos on Ubuntu that can be shown at local events.
Promotional items ( pre-made flyer designs, etc. five cent stickers for
one's laptop are better promotional items then a two dollar CD )
2) Having two useful web sites. One for the convert with resources fitting
for someone new ( Where to get help, local resources like the library, and
upcoming events). The second for the Ubuntu "Super Fan" to support them,
thus focused on there needs.
3) Making sure the local library has good computer resources ( which include
books on Ubuntu ).
4) Support NY technical conferences and events by providing speakers and/or
booths. Assisting in the promotion of NYS technical events benefits all and
that is the core belief of Ubuntu.
5) We need to educate people on all operating systems so they can truly
understand what Ubuntu is and how it would fit in there world. You can only
convert those who want what Ubuntu has to offer, the rest should at least be
made aware of FOSS solutions ( Firefox, LibreOffice, Inkscape, etc. ). They
should learn of how the Apple or Microsoft EULA took away there freedom and
to what extent they are locked in to there investment.

My 2 cents
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