[OSGeo-Conf] "OSGeo Teach-in

[Cameron Shorter]

Paul, I want to preface my email by noting that I'm very hopeful that 
you are able to build a successful "Teach In" conference series and that 
it is very lucrative for you. Where possible, I want to help make it 
happen for you, and ensure the OSGeo community maximises the value 
offered at the same time.

There is nothing wrong with using a proprietary business model for your 
conferences. You put in the effort building the content, you have every 
right to sell it.

However, I feel that OSGeo would be selling out on its principles if it 
were to actively support a proprietary business model. In particular, a 
proprietary tutorials program will likely undermine the effectiveness of 
OSGeo's education program as potential sponsors of the education program 
turn to the proprietary material, and contributors produce proprietary 
content instead of open content.

Open Source has a very effective community marketing value which I 
understand you want to tap into, but I feel you need to make a choice. 
Either:
1. Go open, and make use of the OSGeo brand, or
2. Go proprietary, and build your own brand.

(A side note, I wouldn't under estimate your personal "rock star" 
drawing appeal).

Paul Ramsey wrote:
> On Fri, Jun 6, 2008 at 3:16 PM, Cameron Shorter
> <cameron.shorter at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>   
>> * The proposal is missing one of the key elements of the Open Source
>> Business model. Ie, all material used for the "teach in" should be provided
>> for free under an open license. Conference organisors can sell their
>> services (as presenters).
>>     
>
> You go first. I'm not giving away 4 hours of workshop materials for
> $3K. I'm not a rock star, I hold no illusions that people are coming
> to the workshop to see *me*. The Open Source business model is that
> the *source* is open, and something else is not
> (http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/magic-cauldron/).
>
> P.
>   


-- 
Cameron Shorter
Geospatial Systems Architect
Tel: +61 (0)2 8570 5050
Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254

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