[SLUG] "Talks Policy" [Was: Video Sales to Support SLUG]

[Jeff Waugh <jdub@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

<quote who="Oscar Plameras">

> From: "Matthew Palmer"
> > Or scared away by the formalities... <g>
> >
> > I don't think that a 'talks policy' document will help or hinder, but a
> > long list of talk acceptance process will probably scare a few people
> > away.
> 
> As it is few SLUGgers are volunteering. Is it not time to modify the
> process?

I don't believe so. Our informal process has worked well to date, with a
wide range of informative talks for both advanced users and newbies. We've
changed our meeting format to accommodate more introdutory material in the
SLUGlets sessions, and even more advanced material in the in-depth section.

We do actually fill all of our talk slots, so despite the work that the
committee does to ensure we have vibrant and interesting meetings, there is
no evidence to suggest that we don't have enough volunteers.

> 'Talks policy' as suggested is a statement by SLUG that encompasses the
> rules as well  as guidance for talk proponents. With guidance as to what
> topics to cover may stimulate the mind and the spirit.  Maybe a token of
> encouragement like a piece of CD, an O'Reilly book of interest, a gift
> voucher, a bottle of red wine, etc.

We buy dinner for speakers who do the general or in-depth talks. Mary is
currently writing a guide for speakers (what they should expect, how to make
their talks easier, how the meetings are run, etc). This will make it easier
to say "wanna do a talk, here's what you need to know".

The topic area is "Linux and Open Source", and speakers volunteer to talk
about their own interests, and often enough, to satisfy the interests of
others, much like any other Free Software project.

> The speaker in a technical environment does not assume he knows
> everything.  I think intending speakers who are scared away are those who
> believed that to be a speaker one needs to know everything. This is not
> the case. Of course, this does not mean that there are  speakers who are
> not experts in their  field of talk.

These are interesting issues (that the committee regularly talks about) that
can be solved independently of a more formal process. Casual is good. :-)

> I totally agree. Topics with popular interest and demand should be
> addressed by speakers from time to time even if these topics are less
> elegant than others.

Well, there are three talk 'slots' that you can work an idea into:

  General: Intermediate skill level, to spark interest in newbies and
  remind/introduce concepts to experienced users. Of wide application or
  interest.

  In-depth: Advanced skill level, or deep interest. Not always technical,
  talks can cover any in-depth concepts in the open source sphere. We've had
  presentations about legal issues, developer tools, etc.

  SLUGlets: Short, sweet, intro, demo, exciting. Discussion oriented,
  showing off cool things, introduction to concepts, etc. Short talks.

Thanks,

- Jeff

-- 
GU4DEC: June 16th-18th in Dublin, Ireland             http://www.guadec.org/
 
   "There, I did it... I defiled a timeless piece of ART!" - Jim Carrey,
                          covering I Am The Walrus