Richard Stallman at Open Source Convention

[Lan Barnes]

On  3 Jul, Paul G. Allen wrote:
> JD Runyan wrote:
>> 
>> As far as conferences go, that is cheap.
>> 
> 
> I've been to several days worth of conferences and seminars related to
> computers and electronics both for free as well as for under $20/head
> (slightly more if you wanted a meal as well, which were never very good
> anyway). I don't care if others charge more than what this convention is
> charging, it's still insane, and given the topic, completely
> unreasonable and, IMO, counter productive.
> 
> How can one expect to promote Open Source when one is charging such an
> outrageous amount to schmooze (sp?) with others in a venue dedicated to
> it?
> 
> PGA

This is a legitimate conference, not a trade show with some
no-name seminars.

I've assisted in putting on conferences, and their cost is
stunning. I doubt if O'Reilly could get a return out of this that
would satisfy a lender (fortunately, they have relatively deep
pockets and can do whatever they want on a smaller margin). 

I imagine that the $20 "conferences" PGA is talking about were
charged to some big corp's ad budget. If so, I question the bias
of the speakers and material presented.

I agree that the money -- and the time off work (why, why can't
they wrap these things around at least one weekend?) -- are
insurmountable hurdles for most of us. I put the brochure in
front of my boss, and much as he likes me, he couldn't see a way
to justify it. We just don't use Linux -- yet -- at work.

Linux is a hobby for many of us, and there's nothing wrong with
that. Ain't great that such a polished piece of work can be in
every hobbiest's machine if s/he wants. But Linux is also a real
force now, and that calls for real conferences with real hotels,
real air fares, real catered banquets. You can't do that on
twenty bucks a head.

Of course, balanced as I may sound, I'm green with envy at those
who will be there.

-- 
Lan Barnes                    lbarnes at san.rr.com
Linux Guy, SCM Specialist     858-354-0616

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