[Ubuntu-SG] Update on the ubuntu.sg website, and thoughts on TUSG

[chewearn]

I'm too lazy to write a post filled with flowery language this late at
night.  So, please bear with the plain speak. :)

On 27 May 2010 22:15, Muhammad Heidir <md.heidir at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Guys,
>
> I would like to add and comment on a few stuff.
>
> 1) I noticed that this mailing list is always replied by the regular
> people. No offence to the newbies, but I noticed that most of them are
> hit and run type. They get the fire burning after trying Ubuntu, tried
> to join this group, but see no response and the fire just fades away.
>
> 2) Taking part in SFDS and other activities seems to be a problem where
> only those who are really interested and knows stuff about Ubuntu dare
> to take part. Where are the newbies? We need you! We need support, we
> don't care whether you are newbie or a guru, its the thought and
> participation that counts!
>
> To those who are new to Ubuntu and trying to convert and become
> comfortable, I realised that these are the kind of people we really need
> in SFDS. To be able to share your experience is a plus and will
> encourage people to try out Ubuntu during the event. You can really
> convince them!
>
> 3) I also notice that people are willing to suggest ideas and solutions,
> but nobody is willing to come forward and work on it. I really
> appreciate it, but personally, it is not fruitful enough. TUSG has very
> limited resources to work on these ideas even if it is brilliant. The
> only way to make it work is to work on it, personally or in individual
> groups using this mailing list as a stepping stone.
>
> 4) I'm sorry if I sound harsh. But I really have to let it out.

Ha ha, we can always rely on Heidir to say what need to be said, plain
and direct. :)
I agree with your sentiment, but what to do?  Just need to be
realistic and accept it.  The fact is we get the occasional fire-up
person wanting to be part of Ubuntu in Singapore, but not fire-up
enough to "just do it".

Well, my feeling is, it's not too bad.  At least, there is some
discussions going, rather than silence.  Maybe someday, we get more
people who will act rather than just talk.

Hint hint: Heidir and David to name two persons who have carried loads
of work for the team.  And of course, bow down to Billy (Mr Optimus
Prime) who started the Singapore chapter. :)

The idea is to keep the channel open for new people to participate.
If we close the channel, then it's game over.

> 5) Suggestion: This was suggested by Prakash, the Canonical guy whom
> Francis and I talked to yesterday after the Ubuntu presentation.
>
> In events, we give out CDs.
> 9/10 the CDs will be thrown away or used as coasters.
> Instead of giving away the CDs for free, we can charge them a small fee.
> Preferable $5 - $10.
> When they buy this CD, inform them that by paying this small fee, they
> are entitled to a 30-day phone support. (I mention phone support, not
> on-site)
> This can be done individually without Team Ubuntu Singapore approval.
> This is just a suggestion for anyone who is interested.
> As I mentioned, this is just a rough idea of what we can do to publicise
> Ubuntu in Singapore.

Again, I agree with you.  There are limitations with having TUSG
itself selling stuffs and "handling money".  But there is no problem
if a private person wants to earn some cash by selling CD or handling
support calls.  I don't think anyone in TUSG would object with using
the available communication platform for getting private business (as
long as it's not illegal).

> 6) Unfortunately, the above suggestion is not possible during Software
> Freedom Day Singapore due to NLB restriction. To overcome this obstacle,
> we can give away the CDs, and make them register.
> By registering, inform them that if they run into any problem, they can
> contact any of us (who are willing) for an on-site visit. Tell them
> there will be a fee for the first visit and subsequent support calls
> will be valid for 30-days.
>
> 7) Why these fees? Singaporeans will use it even if they don't like when
> you make them pay for it.
>
> Who benefits? They benefit from using Ubuntu (no virus, no malware).
> Support provider gets paid. Canonical is grateful. Everyone is happy.
>
> 8) Goals.....
> What do we want to do? Publicise Ubuntu? Preach Ubuntu? Keep
> participating in SFDS indefinitely without concrete goals?
>
> What are we trying to achieve?
>
>
> I leave these questions to all.
>

As I stated before (was it two years ago?), my personal goal for
getting involved in TUSG in the past was to increase Ubuntu's adoption
in Singapore.  This is an entirely selfish goal.  Having problem
accessing Singapore websites?  Stupid unnecessary Flash heavy sites
crashing left and right?  ISPs plainly state support for Windows and
Mac only?  Java applet in banking sites failed?

If more people in Singapore uses Ubuntu, we might someday get better
organisation support and awareness, which makes it easier to use
Ubuntu in Singapore.

In short, no need for grandiose "Mission Statement" or "Objectives",
in my humble opinion.  It's perfectly okay to continue with the small
events, and constantly remaking the websites design.  That's my vote.

 P.S.  Well having said all that, I have since moved from 100% Ubuntu
to Ubuntu+Windows.  Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose.