[OSGeo-Discuss] FOSS4G 2018 sponsorship

[Jeff McKenna]

Hi Stefano,

It is hard to add points here that aren't covered by the responses from 
all of the community leaders speaking here (even just considering 
everyone's backgrounds who are speaking here is quite fascinating, and a 
great sign of our passion for FOSS4G).

I only want to encourage this sharing, sharing your thoughts, asking 
questions and listening.  I think you asked a good question, that is 
quite healthy to discuss here with the community.

To be honest, when Venka, Markus and I first discussed creating a global 
"FOSS4G" event in 2004 we really had no idea where it would take us, or 
how it would go on to change the whole industry and spread across the 
whole globe.  But how did that happen?  Was it because we were so 
structured in what we required for a FOSS4G?  Opposite in fact: it 
spread because of our passion and openness: everyone from anywhere was 
welcome to share, laugh, learn, and be open.

I have personally moved my efforts from the global events to the smaller 
regional FOSS4G events, but the OSGeo Conference Committee is doing a 
good job in managing the FOSS4G-global process. Can things be 
improved/adapted as we all grow together?  Absolutely!  And part of that 
is talking and sharing ideas and concerns.

I find that when the topic of money comes up things become very 
delicate.  OSGeo Boards have been discussing sponsorship and revenue for 
a long time, and it is not easy as the OSGeo foundation needs money for 
infrastructure, but where should that revenue come from, should it come 
from a big global FOSS4G, or some other source?  Sponsorship is just one 
way (and we can always improve on those sponsorship requirements too).

Your question brings up more and more questions.  And I don't have the 
answers.  But talking about this is a good thing, as it shows that you 
and the community members care.

Please though know that you are not alone, you are big part of the 
passionate OSGeo community and your voice matters.

Thanks for this, I really appreciate hearing from you and everyone else.

Love,

-jeff







On 2018-02-25 10:26 AM, Stefano Campus wrote:
> Hi,
> I see ESRI is one of the sponsor of FOSS4G 2018.
> Do the OSGeo Board and Local Committee think it is appropriate?
> Our Romans ancestors used to say: 'Pecunia non olet' (money don't smell) 
> but sometimes...
> 
> Thank you for your reply
> 
> Stefano Campus
> 
>