Hi,

> Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:08:35 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Luis Gustavo Lira <dr_complexity@yahoo.com>
> Subject: [SFD-discuss] Gain potential members
> To: Open discussions about SFD <sfd-discuss@sf-day.org>
>
> What is the good way or the best tool to reach people for a SFD event? How
> I have to motivate people to join the SFD? So any idea? anything it's really
> appreciated.
>
> Regards,
> http://twitter.com/yachachiq
>
> Here are some quick points I could note and you may find useful:
1. for students:
a. approach educational institutes and arrange simple and maybe informal
seminar on FOSS.
b. after seminar, appoint volunteers from among the audience to co-ordinate
activities so it does not end up being a one time affair.
c. approach college and school level students differently and as per their
specific perspectives.
d. distribute and demo educational material to staff and goodies to students
:)

2. for administrative and business people:
a. simply run on-the-face campaign which teases them to probe what SFD is
about.
b. explain why SFD is an important event and how adoption of FOSS can make
business and administration "easier".
c. invite them along with media to the SFD event

3. for techies,
a. simply suggest them to start thinking about a change of career if they
still do not find a global FOSS event interesting. ;-)
b. it is generally better to keep two parts of event, one for technical
discussions and other for general activities.

4. for other:
a. relate and arrange SFD with local traditions, customs and situations.
b. relate the SFD event with community practices and celebrations and
publicise appropriately.
c. other points may include explaining its global and universal nature, its
value beyond being a technical issue and not just another boring seminar.

Lastly, it has been my observation that it is not always the numbers but the
quality, effectiveness and continuity of SFD which matters more. I prefer to
refer here when in doubt:-  http://catb.org/esr/writings/

Regards and have a great SFD,

Girish
SFD-Indore, India 2006-2009