LUGs Emphasize the "Festive" at Ohio LinuxFest
by Kristin Shoemaker - Sep. 12, 2008Comments (1)- Related Blog Posts
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Few will argue that engaged, active outreach isn't a crucial element that Linux User Groups (LUGs) and open source projects need to attract new users, supporters and contributors. The formula itself is simple. Trying to puzzle out what "engaged, active outreach" is in a perfect world, versus what a LUG can realistically deliver, is where things can become volatile.
The LUGs behind the Ohio LinuxFest (OLF) have spent the last few years working out the precise ingredients to make their formula work. The sixth annual OLF takes place October 10th and 11th in Columbus, Ohio. Though some ingredients may not work for every LUG planning an event, it's an interesting recipe to follow.
There are certain things that are just expected at a Linux-related event. The Ohio LinuxFest organizers didn't overlook keynote addresses delivered by prominent community members and open source advocates, or skimp on the more "practical" aspects of open source, such as security or virtualization. But they took into account that most people -- whether they use Linux exclusively or are just curious as to what it's all about -- don't spend much computing time configuring firewalls or monitoring network traffic. They don't just lock their computers down, secure them, and walk away -- they actually want to use them, and even have some fun with them.
While people who regularly attend Linux events and conferences understand that open source software offers far more than monitoring and security tools, OLF sees that demographic as only part of the equation. It is important to offer talks on subjects that would interest existing community members, but it is equally important to cover topics that potential new users and community members find informative and entertaining.
This is why the OLF features speakers from all areas of the open source spectrum. This year, speakers will cover topics ranging from open source office suites, audio utilities, robotics, and how open source software can enrich hobbies from model rocketry to baseball. The youngest speaker at OLF is a sixteen year old open source enthusiast, who will discuss why open source software matters to young adults.
The OLF schedule of talks and events feels less like a convention, and more like, well, a festival. They have not overlooked what more experienced Linux users might find appealing and informative. They've also deftly avoided putting together an event that consists of established users talking to other established users about growth and community.
These types of events are "community builders" in their truest form. Certainly not every LUG, or even every small network of associated LUGs, has the means to offer an event of this scale. But with creative planning, they might find it's not too difficult to offer a smaller event with just as significant an impact.
