Discussion on Free Software Exhibition,
Although we are planning to conduct an Install Fest for the public for three days, and few workshops on these days, we also feel that the Install Fest as such will not do the job(to educate the public on Free Software), we need to add some spice to it. We have thought of having a small contest for the public, in which they may take a chit out of a box and if they can answer the question on the chit, they will be given something for free (a CD and few stickers), likewise we make sure they get to know the idea of Free Software.
Still more ideas needed. Speakers who are willing to conduct a small workshop/lecture on these days are welcome, please send us the details.
We cannot expect everyone who uses computers in their daily life to be technologically sound. So it is not the technology alone which actually matters. It is indeed important to educate the general public about the philosophy of Free Software. Because most of the people who switch to Free Software do not really understand what the great Movement is all about. They do not know their rights and privileges which they get along with Free Software. For many users, it is just another software like any other proprietary software, while it is not so. We have to make them understand that, technology is basically the same for both Free and proprietary software, but since Free Software is open to changes by each one of us, it can be made better to suit our needs and therefore, *Free Software is almost always superior in functioning to proprietary software.*
We can put up some posters/charts which convey the basic idea of Free Software through cartoons, in such a way that even those who are not technologically sound in computers can understand the philosophical aspect of the Free Software Movement. Those who are interested to contribute as artists/cartoonists are always welcome. Or if you are not that confident about your artistic skills you can put in just your ideas on how to convey to the public the four main freedoms that Free Software gives and what Free Software ultimately is.
If anyone has such kind of poster materials please forward it to my email id (anoopjt at gmail dot com). Please upload it to the community also.