[Aust-NZ] Free as in Freedom Linux.conf.au miniconf CFP

[Brianna Laugher]

Hi all,

I am running a miniconf at Linux.conf.au (LCA), Australia's big annual
Linux conference, called "Free as in Freedom", about the movements
relating to/inspired by the free software movement such as open
access, free culture, free networks, etc. I know y'all are quite
active lobbyists for freely licensed geospatial data and I would love
to see a talk at my humble miniconf about, for example, why free
geospatial data is important, or different tactics geospatial data
enthusiasts have taken over the years to encourage sharing of such
data.

If someone already has a talk accepted as part of the main conference,
then I will look forward to seeing that, but otherwise, I would like
to encourage folks here to consider submitting something. NB: Please
note that in order to give a presentation or attend the miniconf you
must be signed up for the main Linux.conf.au conference. Presenting at
the miniconf does not entitle you to discounted or free registration
at the main conference nor priority with registration. ie... Miniconf
speakers don't get the perks of main conference speakers!

cheers,
Brianna

--


'Free as in Freedom' miniconf Call for Participation (CfP)

Are the original ideals that motivated the free software movement
still relevant today? What makes Wikipedia a truly "free"
encyclopedia? How are governments licensing public sector information?
Is having an "open source" Facebook or Skype important? How do the
current copyright and patents systems affect innovation and digital
culture? How can educational resources be pooled and shared more
effectively? Does citizen journalism matter? How are open access
policies changing academic publishing? What are the potential pitfalls
of all these trends towards "openness"?

The Free as in Freedom miniconf, running for the first time in January
2009 at Linux.conf.au in Hobart, Tasmania, invites speakers to answer
these questions, and more.

==Topics==
Sessions are invited on any of the following topics, or related ones
that you may devise:

* Free software movement's history and evolution
* Free hardware
* Free documentation
* Free network services
* Open standards
* Copyright/legal reform
* Free/open licensing schemes
* Participatory culture
* Open knowledge
* Projects to develop free cultural works
* Government initiatives in relation to licensing/availability of
public sector information
* Initiatives of cultural institutions regarding access to cultural works
* Open access initiatives
* Open educational resources

This is not a comprehensive list - talks on related topics are also
encouraged. Talks may be overviews, case studies, stories of personal
experience, etc. They may be focused on technical, legal or
social/community aspects, or a mix. Talks that relate multiple topics
are especially welcome.

==Details==
Submissions are welcome for 25 or 50 minute slots (including question
time). If there is sufficient interest a lightning session of 5 minute
presentations may also be held.

Presenters are encouraged to publish and license any submission and/or
their slides under a free content license, e.g. CC-BY-SA, CC-BY,
public domain dedication.

Important: Please note that in order to give a presentation or attend
the miniconf you must be signed up for the main Linux.conf.au
conference. Presenting at the miniconf does not entitle you to
discounted or free registration at the main conference nor priority
with registration.

==Dates==
* 6 Oct 2008 - Submissions open
* 31 Oct 2008 - Early submissions close
* 7 Nov 2008 - Notification for early submissions
* 10 Nov 2008 - Final submissions close
* 20 Nov 2008 - Final miniconf programme confirmation

==Making a submission==
Email submissions at freeasinfreedom.modernthings.org with the subject
"Free as in Freedom miniconf" or similar. In the email please include
* your talk title and description/abstract
* your preferred talk length (25/50min)
* your name and relevant experience/qualifications (for organisers only)
* your preferred contact details
* any other requests or information relevant to your proposed talk.

Submissions made by October 31st will be notified by November 7th.
Submissions made between October 31st and November 10th will be
notified by November 20th.

==Further information==
See http://freeasinfreedom.modernthings.org/ for further information
and updates.

Any unanswered questions can be asked via
contact at freeasinfreedom.modernthings.org .

Thank you dear speakers!


-- 
They've just been waiting in a mountain for the right moment:
http://modernthings.org/