[OSGeo-Conf] Using the FOSS4G brand

[Seven (aka Arnulf)]

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Venka,
apparently we are mixing things up here. For clarification I would like
to separate the issues touched in related posts. The question is not
whether or not to deny or allow anybody to use the FOSS4G brand. Instead
my proposal is that OSGeo should help to coordinate events better.

Recent events have demonstrated that an uncoordinated proliferation of
conference announcements without proper coordination up front leads to
confusion and agitation. This is damaging to the community as a whole
and easily avoidable by simply prepending an announcement of the
intention to hold an event. Then allow the broadest possible community
to apprehend what is going on and let them voice their opinion. This is
so obvious that so far we have not seen the need to require this but the
recent experiences show that it would be helpful to write this down and
make it a requirement.
* If not OSGeo where else can we do this?
* If not through OSGeo how else can we reach that many communities?
* If we do not trust OSGeo, then who can we trust with this responsibility?

All other considerations regarding revenue coming out of FOSS4G and how
to allocate them to Local Chapters, OSGeo global or whoever else may be
entitled are different topics. I would like to first find general
consensus that there is a need to better coordinate events.

If there is considerable resistance to working in a more coordinated way
I will happily drop the topic and do something more useful.

Best regards,
Arnulf

On 20.11.2013 17:32, Venkatesh Raghavan wrote:
> Dear All,
> 
> I think this discussion has been done before
> in discuss [1] and board lists.
> History of FOSS4G is documented at [2] and [3]
> 
> FOSS4G refers a philosophy/concept/technology and
> cannot be branded. Since it existed before the
> formation of OSGeo foundation, OSGeo foundation
> cannot/need not claim ownership to FOSS4G.
> 
> Hoping see more FOSS4G in the bazaar.
> 
> Best
> 
> Venka
> 
> [1]http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/discuss/2011-November/009759.html
> [2]http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G
> [3]http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/discuss/2011-November/009762.html
> 
> 
> On 2013/11/20 18:47, Seven (aka Arnulf) wrote:
> Folks,
> there has been some confusion around the brand FOSS4G, how to organize
> local conferences in general, how to link back to OSGeo and so on.
> 
> As a result of these ongoings I suggest that OSGeo take more ownership
> of the brand FOSS4G. The main reason is to avoid confusion, improve
> transparency and make sure that the name FOSS4G continues to stand for
> quality events.
> 
> Therefore I suggest that anybody who wants to use the name FOSS4G has to
> first ask/announce this on this mailing list *before* making it a public
> event, sign any contracts, etc.
> 
> What is "ask/announce"? Not sure, we may need to better define. From a
> do-ocratic [1] point of view anybody should be allowed to go ahead. At
> the same time we should strive to avoid conflicts with other events
> close by, go easy on volunteer resources, etc. Maybe we can implement a
> very simple rule: If nobody complains / raises issues within two weeks
> of announcing on the Conference-dev list the organizer can go ahead.
> 
> Later we may also want to make sure (make it a rule) that a trusted
> OSGeo person is part of the LOC.
> 
> What is a "trusted OSGeo person"? Anybody with an official role, be it
> board, committee, or chair. If necessary we have to clarify. Again, I'd
> like to keep it simple...
> 
> Once we have talked about this here and if we agree I would like to make
> this a motion to be approved by the Board at one of their next meetings.
> 
> A general question is whether the conference committee is prepared to
> take on this additional job at all. It appears to be the best place but
> if you think this belongs elsewhere please advise.
> 
> Best regards,
> Arnulf
> 
> [1] http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Do-ocracy
> 
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- -- 
Exploring Space, Time and Mind
http://arnulf.us
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