Firstly, this discussion is inspired by a discussion I had with Abayomi Ayoola (murpheus) about LinuxFest event we intend to organize in Nigeria.
The discussion goes like this:
[9/9/2010 2:07:45 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: I sent an email to Linux Foundation
[9/9/2010 2:08:12 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: and they would be glad to sponsor LinuxCon or LinuxFest in Nigeria
[9/9/2010 2:08:25 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: cool
[9/9/2010 2:08:45 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: so what's your plan
[9/9/2010 2:31:56 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: I think they usually cover the whole event
[9/9/2010 2:33:17 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: see, i think what we should be pushing for is infrastructure
[9/9/2010 2:33:24 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: internet infrastructure
[9/9/2010 2:34:03 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: most of these events a're meaningless if the delegates cant demo their solutions on a very good internet connection
[9/9/2010 2:34:26 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: the last time Google was here, the experience wasn't too good
[9/9/2010 2:34:37 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: There are places for that
[9/9/2010 2:34:46 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: Have you been to chams city
[9/9/2010 2:35:01 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: i think you are not getting my point
[9/9/2010 2:35:11 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: i know there are places that are wired
[9/9/2010 2:35:23 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: but after these events what happens
[9/9/2010 2:35:41 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: everybody forgets about what he has learnt
[9/9/2010 2:35:59 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: why? because he/she doesn't have access to internet
[9/9/2010 2:37:19 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: it should be more about motivating people to build solutions, than just some talks without infrastructure.
[9/9/2010 2:37:30 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: people right now need continuous development
[9/9/2010 2:37:49 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: user groups, online community, monthly events etc
[9/9/2010 2:38:08 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: But what can a bunch of us do about that
[9/9/2010 2:39:19 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: we can source for funds to build infrastructure for as low as N300 / month
[9/9/2010 2:39:24 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: or even free
[9/9/2010 2:40:15 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: if we are united and focused, and unselfish, we can turn around the environment
[9/9/2010 2:41:20 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: we can get funds from corporate organization, government, schools, international community, professionals, ordinary people on the streets
[9/9/2010 2:41:56 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: That's a long term project
[9/9/2010 2:42:04 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: as long as we are united, focused, and unselfish, we can do it
[9/9/2010 2:42:19 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: it's not long anything
[9/9/2010 2:42:28 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: it's about starting now
[9/9/2010 2:42:55 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: no one is going to effect the change if the people are not getting things done now
[9/9/2010 2:43:30 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: Most developed economies do make sure they all get involved
[9/9/2010 2:43:58 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: We need to start asking the government for funds for community and societal projects
[9/9/2010 2:45:43 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: once we start asking them for funds for technology improvement everytime, and they begin to see what we are using them for, then we will begin to see the dividends of technology events.
[9/9/2010 2:46:09 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: it's not about the government, it's about the people
[9/9/2010 2:46:45 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: we need to get involved
[9/9/2010 2:47:05 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: take a cue from technology advancement in North America and Europe
[9/9/2010 2:47:20 PM] Kayode Odeyemi: that's my goal for osf
[9/9/2010 2:50:00 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: First we register
[9/9/2010 2:50:06 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: and begin from there
[9/9/2010 2:52:43 PM] Abayomi Ayoola: good points
We are open to ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to join this conversation.
Thank you.
Comments
Building solutions
Thank you a lot decrute for sharing this conversation.
I totally agree with your points. Having people developing and creating something specific is what really creates momentum. Moreover, later it can be presented to any kind of audience.
As you know we are creating the AYG association and on-line platform using drupal. The platform should enable this conversation not only among developers but any kind of entrepreneurs, designers... If we are able to gain some critical mass of people interested, we will get the attention of people and then it will be easier to obtain funds.
Keep us posted with the advancements on the conference. I will try to contribute.
All the best
Daniel
Here is a solution I believe will work
Here is a solution I believe will work
This suggestion can also be applied to AYG, which I believe in a little while will attract lots of participants due to access to internet infrastructure.
t: @charyorde
Internet connection
Hi guys,
just for your information, I know there' s satellite internet coverage in Nigeria. You could try to contact http://www.skylogic.com/ to ask for some sort of sponsorship for your local events(ie: providing a free internet connection or something). I am not sure it' ll happen, but it' s worth trying.
Curious about "provide internet infrastructure"
Hi drecute
Thanks for sharing your inspiring conversation. I think that what you are talking about happens a lot in the US as well: people attend conferences, get an idea of what is possible, and then have to go home and do the hard work of actually learning how to do everything. That is much harder without the support of a group! It is what compels me to organize events, too.
I am curious to learn more about what is necessary in your internet infrastructure. Maybe there are others who have the same situation.
It sounds really great that your group will pool resources together to get what you need to do this work! :)
I wish you the best of luck.
Just listening
Hi people. My name is Nnenna. Just checking in here and seeing the discussion. I dont know much of Drupal but I did manage to put www.nnenna.org from what I understood. Dont know how many are on this regional group and if everyone is a developer? Would be good to know.
I am also interested in getting some mentoring for 'just users'.
Cheers
You are welcome Nnene
Hi Nnenna,
You are most welcome to the group.
We have a handful of people in the group and we hope to get more as open source grows in this part of the world.
Please feel free to chime in anytime with your questions as someone will definitely be here to answer them.
Less I forget, you did a good job on nnenna.org :)
We hope to see you around more often.
Regards
t: @charyorde