Wander Lost

Saturday Sept. 17 was Software Freedom Day (SFD), here is a quick report taken from the ubuntu-ca mailing lists:

After their initial meeting at linuxcaffe, the ubuntu Toronto group, decided that it was worth scrambling to try and make an impact for Software Freedom Day. I think they were all a bit surprised with how well they did!

The wheels lurched into motion, ubuntu wikis were utilized, a Google group was created, and the #ubuntu-ca irc channel began to hum with planning activity. In one week, a venue was secured, CDs amassed, inserts and pamphlets written, laid out and printed, and a considerable troupe of volunteers co-ordinated to spread the word. On the morning of the 16th, the plans were put into action.

The net result; hundreds of people got a warm, enthusiastic one-on-one, and left with either a shiny new CD or a pamphlet. Around a dozen of the most curious were treated to a professional grade demonstration, including popular applications, system navigation and themes. I only caught Hannas talk, but it was bright, clear and enthusiastic. In a word; persuasive ! In the background, Jamon had the projector delivering examples like magic.

The ubuntu-toronto team was impressive. Hard work went into planning, prep and execution and for a group that had never done this before, they pulled it off with flying colours. A hearty congratulations for a job well done. I can’t wait for the next one !

-David Patrick, Linux Caffe

As for myself, I spent a long day on the street talking to people along with David, handing out those CD’s and brochures. My only complaint is the the printing house on campus only delivered half the order and I still payed for all of it. I am following up and will strive to get a refund, but SFD was still great.

For anyone interesting in Ubuntu here are some links to check out:

Ubuntu’s Main Page
Ubuntu Forums
Ubuntu.ca
The Linux Caffe

For those of you who use irc, you can contact Ubuntu Canada and Ubuntu Toronto at #ubuntu-ca @ irc.freenode.net and #ubuntu-toronto @ irc.freenode.net

Also, there is the Ubuntu Canada mailing list and the Ubuntu Toronto Google Group.

Finnally, you can see photos of the event on Flickr, look for Ubuntu Canada and Linux Caffe tags.

UPDATE: The printing house gave me a full refund for my trouble, I consider it a donation to a good cause.