- Linuxers - lists.fsci.in

URL of RMS article...
by Frederick Noronha 13 Nov '02

13 Nov '02

Vinayak, It's at eians.com. But you won't be able to check out that site, since it is only open to newspaper subscribers. Some of the articles are not available or accessible via websites, and it's mostly these that I post. If the load is too much, I'll go slow on that. But sometimes it helps speedy discussion (specially for those of us who have *very* limited to the WWW). FN > hello Frederick, > > I apprieciate your postings of new aricles on this > group. But please mail the urls and not the content > of the articles. Those who are interested will then > follow the url and bookmark it for future references. > > ***************** > Vinayak Hegde > APGDST Student > NCST-JUHU. > ***************

2 1

Trevor?
by Amol Hatwar 13 Nov '02

13 Nov '02

Trevor, Its 10 PM. Well take your time... ruminate on my words. But at least stick to your words. Regards, Amol.

1 0

LinuxWorld Expo ideas
by Ashish Kulkarni 13 Nov '02

13 Nov '02

Hi, I'm another lurker coming out of the woodworks.. ;-) What I'd really like to see is for the Expo to provide a recruitment office (??) for people who are intrested in contributing to the community in any way. Although the response may be half-hearted or flame out after a while, I think what really needs to be driven in the public consciousness is the fact that *YOU* can contribute. I mean, most people view Free/OSS software as just something to use, written by some ultra-smart geeks you have no hope of matching. A lot of help can be used, especially in non-programming tasks like indian-language localization, distribution, general help, etc. I suspect that there also might be programmers who are searching for a idea/project to contribute to (I know I am) so we could provide some sort of exchange for that... considering the variety of people planning to attend, it could be really useful :-) Although this may be OT and politically incorrect, I'd also like to put up a small *BSD booth at the Expo. I use and like FreeBSD also, and I personally feel it is a shame there's not enough public consciousness about them. I don't want to start a BSD vs Linux flamewar, just want to let people know they have have a choice in free OSes, too. timing of the Expo: All us engg. students have exams in June/July, so it'd be ideal for it to be in Feb/March/April-start or even later in August, like someone pointed out. Thanks, - A. ------------------------------------------------------------- If I have an apple, and give you the apple, I have no apples. If I have an idea, and give it to you, we both have the idea.

2 1

Feedback... Businessworld on *War for India's software soul*
by Frederick Noronha 13 Nov '02

13 Nov '02

Some feedback to Charles Assisi's recent article WAR FOR INDIA'S SOFTWARE SOUL, starting with the positives: * Charles's consistent interest in IT-for-development issues is to be appreciated. * This argument of Microsoft's eagerness to keep a grip on the Indian developer is an interesting contribution to the debate. * This kind of focus for GNU/Linux would make a whole lot of people sit up and take note. But then.... Some of the problem areas of the article are, to me, the follows: o Charles uncritically buys some FUD arguments from Microsoft. (Paid employees are called 'evangelists'... there is a hint that FLOSS might *not* actually reduce the cost of software ... the argument that all users of unauthorised software could actually pay for and buy Microsoft products one day... even bogus arguments like the "lack of unity" among GNU/Linux distros are accepted at face value.) o Nowhere is the issue of freedom -- so important to the programmer, user and indirectly even the businesshouse -- raised in the debate. The reader doesn't get a hint that Free Software is more than just trying to get a cheaper product. o The term Linux, as has been pointed out, describes only the kernel. Even if it's lengthier, the more appropriate term would be GNU/Linux. This is *not* an issue for 'purists' only. o Conceptually, there is a mix-up over the term 'free' (which refers to 'freedom' not price, even if price does come down in the bargain). o This confusion leads to the wrong questions being raised -- "If Linux is a free OS, why are Red Hat and others charging for it?" o Wrong questions raised -- "If I use Linux, can I still use Word and Excel?" Why would anyone want to? It's like asking, if I wear a kurta, can I wear a shirt? Why would you want to? Maybe, "If I use GNU/Linux, could I do wordprocessing and spreadsheets or access data generated from these?" might be appropriate. o We're told that "[GNU/]Linux exists" in many prominent institutions. That's not saying much. To what level is applied? Is this significant, marginal, irrelevant? Difficult to get figures perhaps... but it needs to be done. o "Language fonts for Linux are now available for practically every Indian language..." Wish this were true. o Some of the examples of India's contribution to GNU/Linux (even if taken from my http://linuxinindia.pitas.com) are not the best of examples... Clearly, lot more work remains on unearthing this aspect. o Eight-pieces-of-unlicensed-software for every authorised copy, there fore the market size is XXXX... this is very misleading logic. Would every unauthorised copy user go in for an authorised copy of non-free software if charged at current prices? It's good that this article gives GNU/Linux the attention it deserves (even if it overlooks the GNU contribution). But then, a little sharper focus could have surely helped. The programmer who has build up the product over the years don't get much of a voice too. Clearly, the GNU/Linux impact on Indian business, science, education is far from adequately catalogued. We've got quite some work to be done on this. FN

1 0

LinuxWorld Expo?
by Amol Hatwar 13 Nov '02

13 Nov '02

Linuxworld Expo... lets investigate if it can be a trademark infringement or something.... http://www.linuxworld.de I suggest, why not have a different mailing-list for the Linuxworld thingy, I could see a lot of mails relating to it. Regards, Amol Hatwar.

1 0

GNU/Linux India Expo 2003 ... tentative outline
by Tahir Hashmi 13 Nov '02

13 Nov '02

Event Title: GNU/Linux India Expo 2003 Dates: End Feb / Early March (Not early/mid Feb please!) Duration: 3 days / 1 week Objectives: [1] Conference on GNU/Linux, FS/OSS [2] Exhibition of FS/OSS Student Projects from across the nation [3] Stalls for commercial activity related to hardware/software [4] Some fun events (Geeks vs. Nerds quiz? Geek of the yr. award?) [5] Promotion of GNU/Linux user networking (Stalls of various LUGs) [6] A press conference a day ?? DETAILS: [1] This is quite well-known to us and needs no elaboration [2] We provide a display area for students to demo their FS/OSS projects. "Students" means people who are not employed/have been employed earlier and are studying in an educational institution, incl. an open university. [3] People desirous of Commercial activity will be charged for space. It would be great if we can have assemblers there who can offer pre-loaded PCs... how about a workshop for these before the event? Cheap CDs, on-the-spot installation etc. could be possible attractions. [4] Ah! what's an expo without fun? [5] We've gotta have a platform for representatives of various LUGs across India share information, develop contacts and highlight their achievements and aspirations. [6] Sounds incredible but who knows, the Press might actually be interested. Anyway, we can post daily coverage on the web. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To qualify for exhibition in the Expo, any given software may or may not be proprietary. However, the software MUST be available for GNU/Linux or any other FS/OSS based platform. This is necessary since there's no dearth of Free Software available for other dominant proprietary platoforms. Attendance the conference must be charged. Entry to the Expo however should be inexpensive. I am in favor of a nominal (say Rs. 10 to 30) entry fee for the expo too avoid wanderers on the site. Only stalls being covered under [3] must be charged. [4] May have an entry fee for participation but definitely not for audience. Let us not think of management (outsourced vs. voluntary) currently. Of course, Saswata, Gurpreet and other volunteers can collect details about professional management and have them ready when the time for decision comes. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Everyone is free to comment on the above, make additions/changes/deletions and even fubar it. --- Tahir Hashmi (VSE, NCST) http://staff.ncst.ernet.in/tahir tahir AT ncst DOT ernet DOT in We, the rest of humanity, wish GNU luck and Godspeed

10 13

Linux-Bom?
by Hanisha Vaswani 13 Nov '02

13 Nov '02

hi guys, i have been a member of the list for nearly a year now, but i mostly lurk, just trying to assimilate random bits of Linux-gyan from the more experienced LUGgers the recent posts regarding the Linux - Bombay 2002[3?] prompted me to post though -- especially once the talk began moving towards a 'lets-hire-WizCraft / 360 degrees / ' kind of thread though i have nothing at all against a 'more professionally managed' event, i do have an issue against outsourcing it -- having been on the core team of a unique college fest before, i have realised that *absolutely nothing* beats your own personal involvement in everything right from whom to approach for sponsorship to the what wattage of the bulbs to use on stage... an event management company is fine when it comes to organising events for an audience whose needs are well-understood ---Michael Jackson fans, for eg. --- but i seriously have my own doubts about which event management company would understand the unique needs of a niche community like ours [ hell, we're a lot different from a standard product launch or lecture series, which is the maximum 'software expertise' that most such companies have ] which is why companies like IBM need to have their own in-house event - preparation and - management teams now for the alternative... who says we cant put up a 'professional' event on our own ? all of us have some special skill which we can bring to the table... and most have probably been involved in some sort of event at some level [ organising / volunteering / participating ].... it only needs time, and since not many may be able to afford dedicating a burst of time a month before the event, what must happen is that the preliminary details must be hammered out soon -- discussions can be done over mail [ like its already happening ] and concrete steps [ looking at choices of venues, sub-events, etc] can be carried out over weekends of course this is tiring and time consuming but then the best things in life are never handed to anyone on a silver platter apologies again for the rant cheers, Hanisha P.S. : don't worry, even the 'smart-chicks' can be arranged, and we won't even have to fill some super-greedy event-management company's overflowing coffers for it __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2

3 2

Linux-Bom?
by Hanisha Vaswani 13 Nov '02

13 Nov '02

hi guys, i have been a member of the list for nearly a year now, but i mostly lurk, just trying to assimilate random bits of Linux-gyan from the more experienced LUGgers the recent posts regarding the Linux - Bombay 2002[3?] prompted me to post though -- especially once the talk began moving towards a 'lets-hire-WizCraft / 360 degrees / ' kind of thread though i have nothing at all against a 'more professionally managed' event, i do have an issue against outsourcing it -- having been on the core team of a unique college fest before, i have realised that *absolutely nothing* beats your own personal involvement in everything right from whom to approach for sponsorship to the what wattage of the bulbs to use on stage... an event management company is fine when it comes to organising events for an audience whose needs are well-understood ---Michael Jackson fans, for eg. --- but i seriously have my own doubts about which event management company would understand the unique needs of a niche community like ours [ hell, we're a lot different from a standard product launch or lecture series, which is the maximum 'software expertise' that most such companies have ] which is why companies like IBM need to have their own in-house event - preparation and - management teams now for the alternative... who says we cant put up a 'professional' event on our own ? all of us have some special skill which we can bring to the table... and most have probably been involved in some sort of event at some level [ organising / volunteering / participating ].... it only needs time, and since not many may be able to afford dedicating a burst of time a month before the event, what must happen is that the preliminary details must be hammered out soon -- discussions can be done over mail [ like its already happening ] and concrete steps [ looking at choices of venues, sub-events, etc] can be carried out over weekends of course this is tiring and time consuming but then the best things in life are never handed to anyone on a silver platter apologies again for the rant cheers, Hanisha P.S. : don't worry, even the 'smart-chicks' can be arranged, and we won't even have to fill some super-greedy event-management company's overflowing coffers for it __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2

2 1

Micro. Anti-trust.
by mails＠munshi.dyndns.org 13 Nov '02

13 Nov '02

Among other recent measures, Microsoft recruited perhaps India's best-known software executive, N. R. Narayana Murthy, the chairman of a leading software exporter, Infosys Technologies, to endorse Microsoft's technologies in large newspaper ads. The headline on one quoted Mr.Murthy as saying: "When I saw Windows XP in action, I was amazed. How did Microsoft get hold of my wish list?" Is that a secret anymore, this is the proof of anti-trust case. Just a joke. Amish K. Munshi ICQ 85730949 === Never ask a geek why, just nod your head and slowly back away.===

2 1

[OT] Why not to use MS Word attachments
by Philip S Tellis 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

OT here, but useful if you need to make a counter argument against someone who sends you Word files. http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/scc38/1583/emailtg1/msg00004.html Philip -- But, for my own part, it was Greek to me. -- William Shakespeare, "Julius Caesar"

1 0

GNU/Linux Bombay 2002
by Frederick Noronha 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

Organization: Media Lab Asia Subject: [ILUG-BOM] Lets have our own Linux Bombay 2002 Reply-To: linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in Hello Luggers..;) Check out the Professionally arranged....LB 2002 http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/ Lets have a professionally managed show for people in and around Bombay/Maharashtra too...wat say..?? Trevor -- 2002 is almost getting over. Keep it in 2003... we in Goa would like to participate in some way. Other younger LUGs (e.g. at Belgaum) could also be involved. What say? FN

7 11

Re: Linuxers digest, Vol 1 #677 - 13 msgs
by kshitijv 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

Hi quasi, I am interested in knowing the details of changes you made to linc. But tell me, are you able to connect to Net from multiple OSs (Windows98, Windows2000, Linux, etc). As per the discussion on group its clear now that 24Online Server checks for MAC address. But in my case its same across the OSs. (as shown by sniffer program). Do I need to do0 any extra configuration? Is it possible to change the MAC address? -Kshitij > Message: 5 > Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2002 22:10:05 +0530 > To: linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in > From: q u a s i <quasar(a)vsnl.net> > Subject: Re: [ILUG-BOM] 24 Online Clients > Reply-To: linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in > > At 04:18 even 11/11/02 +0000, MiTuL wrote: > >I have not been able to find any work around yet ..(unless you tell your > >provider not to lock your MAC address..which i guess he wont do ..atleast > >my provider doesnt :( ) > > I am slightly confused as to what 'workaround' you are talking about. For > 24online system, atleast, if you use the same NIC then the problem is only > with the configuration - it should work on all OS where you can get a > client (I know of Win9x/XP & GNU/Linux). I am successfully using it Linux > with linc. But I had to perform a minor hack on linc for it to work. If > anyone is interested I will give details of what I had to do. > > quasi > kshitijv e-mail: kshitijv(a)forindia.com

1 0

Re: Linuxers digest, Vol 1 #677 - 13 msgs
by kshitijv 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

Hi quasi, I am interested in knowing the details of changes you made to linc. But tell me, are you able to connect to Net from multiple OSs (Windows98, Windows2000, Linux, etc). As per the discussion on group its clear now that 24Online Server checks for MAC address. But in my case its same across the OSs. (as shown by sniffer program). Do I need to do0 any extra configuration? Is it possible to change the MAC address? -Kshitij > Message: 5 > Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2002 22:10:05 +0530 > To: linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in > From: q u a s i <quasar(a)vsnl.net> > Subject: Re: [ILUG-BOM] 24 Online Clients > Reply-To: linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in > > At 04:18 even 11/11/02 +0000, MiTuL wrote: > >I have not been able to find any work around yet ..(unless you tell your > >provider not to lock your MAC address..which i guess he wont do ..atleast > >my provider doesnt :( ) > > I am slightly confused as to what 'workaround' you are talking about. For > 24online system, atleast, if you use the same NIC then the problem is only > with the configuration - it should work on all OS where you can get a > client (I know of Win9x/XP & GNU/Linux). I am successfully using it Linux > with linc. But I had to perform a minor hack on linc for it to work. If > anyone is interested I will give details of what I had to do. > > quasi > kshitijv e-mail: kshitijv(a)forindia.com

1 0

http://www.rediff.com/money/2002/nov/12gates.htm
by Ravindra Jaju 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

Oops! And we want to rope in "officials" for the OSS movement!? -- jaju

2 1

No reply?
by Amol Hatwar 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

I posted the letter here yesterday, so that not only Trevor but everyone could read it. I haven't got any bouquets or brickbats as of now... Wonder what's up? /me hauls Trevor! Regards, Amol Hatwar.

3 4

NEWS: Gates threatening spirit of freedom -- free software guru
by Frederick Noronha 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

Gates threatening spirit of freedom: free software guru >From Indo-Asian News Service New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Microsoft chairman Bill Gates threatens the spirit of freedom, the founder of the free software movement said here even as the world's richest man began a tour of India. Richard Stallman said in the Indian capital Monday evening that Microsoft and Gates -- who arrived here on a four-day visit the same day -- were perpetuating systems that threaten the freedom of computer users. Stallman was in the city to release his book "No Sir, No Monopoly! Free Software - A Perspective". Published by Prajashakti publishers, the book was released by B.K. Kcayla, convenor of the national working group on patent laws. Stallman, who has emerged as a symbol against everything that Bill Gates has stood for, is also the founder of the GNU software project out of which has emerged the Linux operating system -- available free or in low-cost software packages. Clad informally, Stallman seemed every inch the man he is reputed to be. After walking to the podium sans his shoes, Stallman said: "This is a struggle for freedom and independence. Non-free software, like the ones sold by Microsoft, divides people. "It is like not being allowed to share your favourite cooking recipes with your friends. One cannot exchange recipes, one cannot change the cooking nor does one know anything about the ingredients - that is the world of non-free software, developed by Microsoft. "It doesn't allow any software to be shared and one has to pay for running these programmes. In India, it would cost an enormous amount and a big drain on resources. "Non-free software violates the spirit of goodwill that is so important for human society and civilization. It is akin to the exploitative colonial system. "When Bill Gates donates computer systems to schools, it is like gifting cigarettes. It is initially free but when you get hooked you have to pay for it. Non-free software programmes are like that. It will be available free of cost but for a couple of years only." Gates is pledging a large donation to health projects in India through his Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Said Stallman: "Gates is donating a small fraction of what he has squeezed out of computer users." "What India should do is to resist against non-free software collectively. The good effects of globalisation can come about only through the use of non-free software," Stallman argued. In India, Linux is used by less than 10 percent of the country's personal computers and server computers. India has an estimated half-million individual software developers. There are an estimated four million PCs in use in India among the nation's billion people. --Indo-Asian News Service

2 1

Re: [ILUG-BOM] NEWS: Gates threatening spirit of freedom -- free software guru
by vinayak 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

-----Original Message----- From: Frederick Noronha <fred(a)bytesforall.org> To: linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002 13:09:11 +0530 (IST) Subject: [ILUG-BOM] NEWS: Gates threatening spirit of freedom -- free software guru Gates threatening spirit of freedom: free software guru >From Indo-Asian News Service <snip> hello Frederick, I apprieciate your postings of new aricles on this group. But please mail the urls and not the content of the articles. Those who are interested will then follow the url and bookmark it for future references. ***************** Vinayak Hegde APGDST Student NCST-JUHU. ***************

1 0

Sponsors... Debian... etc
by Frederick Noronha 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

But when it comes to idealism and sincerity of purpose... I guess, they're tops. Or do others have different evaluations? FN From: "Sameer D. Sahasrabuddhe" <sameerds(a)it.iitb.ac.in> Reply-To: linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in On Sun, Nov 10, 2002 at 12:03:59PM +0530, Saswata Banerjee & Associates wrote: > You will need sponserors. I think IBM and oracle will be big targets, and > ofcourse, RedHat. I think ILUG members must be having contacts in these > companies. When it comes to advertising, what gets left out is Debian :-( Sameer. -- MTech Student, Reconfigurable Computing Lab, KReSIT, IIT-Bombay.

4 3

Website updated with minutes of LUG meet @ HBCSE
by vinayak 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

Hello luggers, The website has been updated with the minutes of the LUG meet. The content is based on mails on this list (by Dinesh Shah / Philip Tellis) and my own edits. here is the URL. http://www.ilug-bom.org.in/meet/lug-meet-nov10-2002 ***************** Vinayak Hegde APGDST Student NCST-JUHU. ***************

2 1

Re: Re: [ILUG-BOM] 10nov meet photos
by vinayak 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

-----Original Message----- From: Philip S Tellis <philip(a)konark.ncst.ernet.in> To: linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in Subject: Re: [ILUG-BOM] 10nov meet photos ok, they are now permanently up at http://db.ilug-bom.org.in/lug-meetings/ Philip <snip> -------- "Light thodi kum hai na." just joking. LOL :)) -------- ***************** Vinayak Hegde APGDST Student NCST-JUHU. ***************

1 0

Re: Re: [ILUG-BOM] GNU/Linux India Expo 2003 ... tentative outline
by vinayak 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

Yes, Feb/March was indeed rather early. For students projects, let's get the PRC site in place and send notifications to colleges so that students may register on the PRC. Later on, the most successful of the projects can be exhibited in the Expo. I can help with managing the content of PRC site once the set-up is ready. ------ in fact check out the site www.thefreespeech.org The site is good enough for groupware it seems. Only we need a sourforge like cvs repository. Mr Nagarjuna and Mr Shah are setting it up as discussed in the LUG meeting. ------ ***************** Vinayak Hegde APGDST Student NCST-JUHU. ***************

1 0

Re: [ILUG-BOM] GNU/Linux India Expo 2003 ... tentative outline
by vinayak 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

Event Title: GNU/Linux India Expo 2003 Dates: End Feb / Early March (Not early/mid Feb please!) ----- i second this (Not early/mid Feb please!) ----- Duration: 3 days / 1 week Objectives: [1] Conference on GNU/Linux, FS/OSS [2] Exhibition of FS/OSS Student Projects from across the nation ---- Maybe we can have some kind of preliminary contest for the finals @ the expo. ---- [3] Stalls for commercial activity related to hardware/software ----- IBM,Redhat,TCS,etc will be interested. will bring in money to fund the event. Concessions for small companies who are starting out??? ----- [4] Some fun events (Geeks vs. Nerds quiz? Geek of the yr. award?) ----- Give away books on OSS by raffle / hourly quizzes Oreilly/Wrox etc will be interested. ----- [5] Promotion of GNU/Linux user networking (Stalls of various LUGs) [6] A press conference a day ?? ----- This I believe is mandatory. ----- To qualify for exhibition in the Expo, any given software may or may not be proprietary. However, the software MUST be available for GNU/Linux or any other FS/OSS based platform. This is necessary since there's no dearth of Free Software available for other dominant proprietary platoforms. Attendance the conference must be charged. Entry to the Expo however should be inexpensive. I am in favor of a nominal (say Rs. 10 to 30) entry fee for the expo too avoid wanderers on the site. Only stalls being covered under [3] must be charged. [4] May have an entry fee for participation but definitely not for audience. Let us not think of management (outsourced vs. voluntary) currently. Of course, Saswata, Gurpreet and other volunteers can collect details about professional management and have them ready when the time for decision comes. <snip> ***************** Vinayak Hegde APGDST Student NCST-JUHU. ***************

1 0

Re: [ILUG-BOM] NY Times story on Gates' India trip
by vinayak 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

Hi tahir, The story on nytimes is excellent. Two point stand out in the story. 1> All this talk of AIDS in india is blown up. Star news had a story in which the health minister. Mr Shatrughan Sinha disputed the figures quoted by bill gates saying that they were out of proportion. No one is buying the M$ FUD that M$ is trying to help India. Almost all believe that M$ is eeing the Indian market after losing out china to Linux. 2> The government itself is thinking of implementing it's e-governance initiative by using linux. However it's sad that Narayanmurthy is doing Ads 4 M$. -----Original Message----- From: Tahir Hashmi <code_martial(a)softhome.net> To: linuxers <linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002 11:10:46 +0530 Subject: [ILUG-BOM] NY Times story on Gates' India trip <snip> ***************** Vinayak Hegde APGDST Student NCST-JUHU. ***************

1 0

NY Times story on Gates' India trip
by Tahir Hashmi 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/11/technology/11GATE.html?ex=1037682000&en=a… Excellent story. Also check this Slashdot discussion: http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=44770 -- Tahir Hashmi (VSE, NCST) http://staff.ncst.ernet.in/tahir tahir AT ncst DOT ernet DOT in We, the rest of humanity, wish GNU luck and Godspeed

1 0

LB2002: Conference delegate registration begins...
by Frederick Noronha 12 Nov '02

12 Nov '02

URL : http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/participate/delegates/ Conference Delegate Registration System Please read this before continuing with the registration. Introduction Last year, we had an issue with more people at the venue than actuallyattending the talks. This caused a lot of inconvenience to people, becausethey had to stand in long queues, and our poor BLUG volunteers were tearingtheir hair out. Many people who stood in the queues actually did so because the event was free, and because registration would give them "attendance" in colleges and at work. While we are proud that principals and employers considered the event worthy of such recognition, we were quite upset about how it was misused by some people, and of course the inconvenience caused. Another problem was that of the people who registered online, very few people came with their registration codes/cards, causing our volunteers to have to re-enter everything. So, after a lot of deliberation, we have decided on the following system to ensure that only people actually interested in the event show up. Registration Charge 1. We are going to charge a gate fee of Rs.300 per head for people who have pre-registered online and bring their correct registration code (i.e. the printout of the registration card that you get to see when you register online). 2. We are going to charge a gate fee of Rs.500 for people who show up to register, but have not registered online or who do not have a valid registration code with them. The money we collect is *not* for our coffers, or even for the event. Instead, every delegate will receive a Conference T-Shirt (valued atRs.150) and food coupons for all three days (valued at Rs.150).This is, of course, in addition to any handouts that our sponsors give us toinclude in delegate kits. What this means is that while delegates have to pay Rs.300 to attend the event (Rs.500 for those lazy guys who make us work extra hard), they will receive at least Rs.300 worth stuff in return - thereby rendering the actual cost of attending the event to zero. What does this mean? 1. You *will* have to spend some money to attend the event. The amount is low enough to be attractive to even the poorest student - with 70 talks, an exhibition and tons of other stuff, plus the food coupons and T-Shirt, this is a total steal. 2. If you are in it for the attendance only, and wish to sneak off even after paying - well, you are the proud owner of a t-shirt and food coupons that you cannot use anywhere but at the event. 3. If you are really not interested and don't want to spend money, then you don't have to. While we recognise that some people are likely to complain about not getting in for free, we have to look at the greater good. Please note: 1. The people who don't register online also affect our estimates on how many T-shirts are required. On the other hand, so do people who register but don't show up. 2. The food coupons are not encashable, nor is any other part of the package (i.e. the T-Shirt). You pay, you get, you use. No discounts because "I don't need the T-Shirt" or "I am on a diet". 3. Food is veggie only, and fixed menu. We eat our own dogfood - complaints about food quality (if any) should take into account that the managers will eat the same stuff you will. 4. Extra T-Shirts will not be available. However, if you anticipate the need for extra T-shirts, register twice, pay twice, and Bob's your uncle. ;-) About the T-Shirts: The T-Shirts will have the conference Logo on the left breast, and the Conference name on the back, with the Platinum sponsor's logo on the sleeves. We cannot guarantee T-shirts to people who don't pre-register. Quantities (with reasonable margins) will be based on the number of pre-registrations via the CDRS. Even if enough T-shirts are available, we cannot guarantee sizes for people who do not pre-register. (In fact, we do not guarantee anything except that a good time will be had by all.) About the registration cards: When you register, you will receive a conference deletgate pass which you *MUST* display whenever you enter the premises or any area within the premises (such as an auditorium). It is common for people to have the pass on the first day and forget it at home (or lend it to a cheapskate friend) on the second and third day. I am afraid that will result in your eviction. Moral of the story: DON'T LOSE YOUR DELEGATE PASS! This is especially important on evening of the last day's Mondo Major Monster BLUG meet and the "cultural programme" (he he he - maha-evil chuckle, accompanied by sinister rubbing of hands, bolts of lightning, crash of thunder...), which will take place in an auditorium that can accommodate no more than 1000 people who will keep perfectly still and seated - a most unlikely scenario given the programme... Seats We do not guarantee the availability of seats at talks. First come, first served. We will be happy to reserve seats for people who are willing to pay the value of the event to them, but then we don't think even Bill Gates has that much money ;-) Register OK, you may now spend 5 minutes flaming us for "commercialising the event", "violating the spirit of Linux" and "being the Microsoft of the Linux world" , after which you may click on the link below to register as a delegate for the event. ;-) Please note that you don't have to pay to register - you only have to pay when you actually show up at the event. [15][Register] References 1. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/ 2. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/about/ 3. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/updates/ 4. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/participate/ 5. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/schedules/ 6. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/photos/ 7. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/press/ 8. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/discussions/ 9. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/guides/ 10. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/sponsors/ 11. http://linux-bangalore.org/2001/ 12. http://linux-bangalore.org/ 13. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/credits/ 14. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/contact/ 15. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/participate/delegates/index2.php 16. http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/sponsors/

2 1

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

Linuxers