[FOSE] Contacting 3rd Parties for help

[Nick Danger]

Vanderhoof, Tzadik wrote:
> Do you have any document or something online that explains the basic
> mission of the booth?  Is there a "message" or "talking points" that
> you're trying to get across?  Forgive me if my request sounds too
> "political" but this is DC we're talking about :)
>   


Nope, no document. I would like to develop a message/talking points 
before the booth starts this year. In the past years we try to avoid any 
real political leanings. The basic message of the booth is 'Use Linux' 
and 'Use Open Source.'  We simply inform of options, distribute whatever 
material we have, and answer millions of questions. Joking of course, 
its only thousands of questions :-)

The mission statement on the web is "Our mission is to provide education 
about openly developed and freely available software and support to the 
Linux community. We are not exclusively supporting Linux efforts, 
however it is one of our main goals as it makes a wonderful development 
environment for software." And stolen from Pete N: "Tux.Org has 
historically been the only organization---for-profit or 
not-for-profit---focused on Linux and Open Source at FOSE for the last 
(eight?  nine?) years.  ... Our FOSE messaging focuses on the choice, 
security and standards-based capabilities of Open Source and Open 
Standards. "

If anyone has suggestions for a booth guide, send them to me. The first 
time I staffed a booth for our local user group here a long time ago, 
even with all the prep and swag we had to give away, I admit to being a 
little stumped when people would walk up and go "Who are you and why are 
you here?"

On a not totally related to FOSE but a good reason to help at the booth, 
you'll meet LOTS of people. Including recruiters/departments that need 
help. So if you are looking or thinking of looking for a job in the 
government sector, FOSE is a decent place to make some contacts. So 
there is your DC schmoozing side of the event.