[OSGeo-Discuss] Re: Local Chapter, network and structuration

[James Fee]

I overheard someone say at GeoWeb 2008 that they could care less about
FOSS4G outside of North America and they have no interest in what will
probably be the next couple FOSS4Gs around the world.  I'm sure there
are people in Europe and South America that feel the same way (about not
caring about going to Victoria or Cape Town).  Regional conferences are
probably a good idea to keep up the momentum after a FOSS4G ends and
moves to the other side of the world. 

Personally it was very easy to get approval for FOSS4G2007, but
FOSS4G2008 has become impossible.  I can only assume next year will be
the same problem for me.  

--
James Fee GISP 
RSP Architects Ltd.
502 South College Avenue, Suite 203, Tempe, AZ 85281
480-889-2095 (w)
602-819-2142 (m)
-----Original Message-----
From: discuss-bounces at lists.osgeo.org
[mailto:discuss-bounces at lists.osgeo.org] On Behalf Of Landon Blake
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:55 PM
To: OSGeo Discussions
Subject: RE: [OSGeo-Discuss] Re: Local Chapter, network and
structuration

Sounds like I'm not the only one who isn't going to be vacationing in
foreign countries anytime soon. :]

It sounds like we might have some support for a bi-annual OSGeo
conference in the United States if it wouldn't distract from FOSS4G. Now
all we need is a city which is a cheap travel destination and has a good
base of OSGeo support. That rules out Stockton, California... :]

Landon

-----Original Message-----
From: discuss-bounces at lists.osgeo.org
[mailto:discuss-bounces at lists.osgeo.org] On Behalf Of Julia Harrell
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:48 PM
To: discuss at lists.osgeo.org
Subject: [OSGeo-Discuss] Re: Local Chapter, network and structuration


 > For some of us who work in state (US) government, approval for out of
 > country travel can be essentially impossible.  Even if the location
is
 > only about 60 miles out of the country...

I will definitely second this for NC State Gov staff. Even if travel 
funding is a) available and b) you can actually get approval, 
international travel is impossible for anyone except the Governor's 
Office and Council of State types. Local Govs have the same issues.

In order to attend the MUM 2005 and FOSS4G 2007 (which were both 
awesome, btw) I had to do it on own personal leave time and dime. I am 
glad I was able to go, but that's not going to be possible/affordable 
but every few years. With airfare costs on the rise so steeply, even 
trying to make it to Australia next year is not looking real hopeful at 
the moment.

A national level US FOSS4G conference could be a great thing to have - 
even if it is held every other year. That's how we have to schedule the 
NC GIS Conference, since it is put together and run primarily by public 
sector employee volunteers, and doing it every year is just not
feasible.


Best Regards,

Julia Harrell
GIS Coordinator, NC DENR
julia.harrell at ncmail.net
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