[H-GEN] HUMBUG meetings and talks

[Trent WADDINGTON]

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On Mon, 18 Aug 2003, Ben Fowler wrote:

> > My girlfriend and I were interested in seeing Tobi talk on Saturday.  We
> > drove for over an hour through those terrible weather conditions and, with
> > some effort, managed to get there by 6pm, only to discover that he was
> > already answering questions.  I think this might have something to do with
> > the lack of speakers.
>
> If I recall correctly, the talk did start a little early (HUMBUG was
> really keen to start the talk), but then 1) the talk didn't go for long
> and 2) everyone was bombarding Tobi with questions right from the
> start.  Did you come in when we'd switched the lights back on, or
> earlier?

We came in at 6pm.  The lights were off.  Seeing as you numbered your
points, I'll address them in order.

	1) The announcement read that someone was coming from Germany to
talk at HUMBUG, and as such, I figured it would be a 'real' talk, where
Tobi told us all what the Linux march in Munich was about and his
experiences there.  As such, I expected it to be in the other room, there
would be visual aids and we'd treat him with the respect due to someone
who is getting up in front of a bunch of people without being paid for it.

Also, the term "march" sort of made me think we'd be hearing some strong
political views, which is why my girlfriend was interested.  Perhaps I
should have nagged Raymond (or on the list) for more information, but the
talk was only announced on friday, and I didn't see it till saturday.
Which is another good reason why we're not going to get any serious
speakers at the HUMBUG meetings.  Who wants to go talk to group of people
who either don't want to hear you, or are listening solely out of
something to do.  If the talks are announced a week (or two) in advance
then at least there will be some people present who have shown up
specifically to hear what the speaker has to say.

 	2) That would be expected.  Hearing a talk surrounded by a bunch
of people sitting at or around their PCs, not really listening, not really
caring and largely just wanting the speaker to shut up, doesn't encourage
a be-quiet-and-listen mode.  That is, it's disrepectful to the speaker.
Starting early (or late for that matter) is also seriously lacking in
respect to the speaker.

Let's suppose Eben Moglen came to speak at HUMBUG.  Would we have it in
the "hackfest" room?  Would we advertise any earlier than the the day
before?  Would people turn up specifically to see him?  Of course.  Now,
what are we saying about Tobi Graml?  I personally would like to
apologise to him.

Trent




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