[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux Expo

[Leroy Tennison]

Alvin Goats wrote:

> Leroy Tennison wrote:
>
>
> > "What is our goal?"    Expose/educate the vast end-user base who 
> could take advantage of Linux and save significant money doing so.
>
> This is the important one. I will assume for the moment that the goal 
> is to penetrate the common user market by leveraging ALL possible 
> avenues.
>
> > "What kind of audience would best help us reach that goal?"    One 
> consisting mainly of Joe and Jane Average.
>
> We better define just exactly who Joe and Jane are. What is their age 
> group, what are their interestes, how can we show them that linux will 
> do what they need and more?
>
> If  Joe and Jane are elderly retired folk, their interests in the 
> internet are typically e-mail, surfing and photos. Some do other 
> things, like writing.
>
> If Joe and Jane are the "Boomer" crowd, they're probably still working 
> and in need of Tax software, web surfing, e-mail, Office Suite, remote 
> access and more. Hobbies will be extremely varied.
>
> > "Where can we get that audience?"    A larger general interest event.
>
> Channel 5's Technology Showcase,  the DFW Autoshow, the Entrepreneurs 
> Fair, the education fairs (someone in education would have to let us 
> know when they happen as they're typically closed to the public), 
> library/librarian fairs (they have them too).
>
> > "What do we need to present once we have them?"    The basic things 
> they use: An office suite, games, email and the Internet.
>
> The key is to adjust the presentation to fit the format of the 
> fair/showcase so it appeals to the visitors. Showing off auto links, 
> fast internet, secure transfers et al at the DFW Autoshow would be an 
> example.
>
>
> To better penetrate the home base, consider other demographics: 
> church, school, library, local charities and small local governments. 
> These are the most cost conscious groups available. Secondary groups 
> would be some of the other clubs and organisations: Girl Scouts, Boy 
> Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, and others who either have merit badges or other 
> awards for achievement. Many churchs help many of their congregation 
> with setting up a computer and getting internet access, particularly 
> if they are disabled. This gets noticed by many of the church members 
> who talk. Same goes for the scouts and other family based clubs.
>
> Churchs use a variety of things including Powerpoint, Word, Excel and 
> Acess (replace all of it with OpenOffice and save money for other 
> things and PRESS the fact that OpenOffice has Sun Microsystems logos 
> all over it).
>
> There exist custom software for libraries and schools. Get them and 
> show them off.
>
> Alvin
>
>
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>
Very good points.  I was actually thinking of "middle age" ers but 
certainly not set on that.  Attracting the small business person would 
also be good.  The events you mention sound promising.