[ubuntu-uk] [marketing] Fun day event was Leaflets

[alan c]

Rob Beard wrote:
> Dianne Reuby wrote:
>>>>> We managed to give out a few leaflets, and sold ONE copy of The  
>>>>> OpenCD.
>>>> may I ask what price? (off list if you wish)
>>> Yeah, 50p each.  That covered the cost of the disc, a sleve and
>>> printing 
>>>   of the disc.
>>>
>> 
>> Something I've been considering - how much take-up do people get on CD
>> offers? I know I'd be reluctant to run a CD from a total stranger,
>> especially at a stand (rather than a permanent shop that I could go back
>> to), and especially running Windows where viruses etc are so much of a
>> threat.
> 
> We only sold 1 CD.  These CDs were printed (I have a CD printer) and in 
> sleeves to keep the cost down.  The rest of the CDs are going to be 
> distributed from computer shops
> 
>> Presumably properly printed CDs and CD covers will get a better
>> response?
> 
> More than likely.  Saying that, CDs given away at a computer fair might 
> get a better response.

My first session at the computer fair was quite disappointing. I was 
offering Free CDs, literally, and was almost totally ignored. I 
concluded that natural suspicion was in play. This is relevant in the 
Windows users experience. Most computer users are Windows users. They 
get free stuff from advertisers, full of adware or worse, and 
subsequent trouble. They also (most do anyway) know that free is also 
ripped off, copies from trusted friends. In a computer fair 
environment is is possible that know how easy it is to use cracked 
copies of Windows.

In later sessions I made it clear I was asking a price (still only 50 
pence or so), which I think helped. Most of my CDs are not printed, 
simply hand written, in a paper cover. I am a local enthusiast 
volunteer and I do not hide that impression. Although some people 
initially think I am associated with a Company, the volunteer aspect 
is relevant to explain the low price, and suggests a little about the 
FOSS culture too.

So my banner approach is not to advertise 'Free' but to advertise 
'Freedom'.

My current approach is from my belief that being locked in and un-free 
is a universal awareness for proprietary software users, courtesy of ms.

I now visibly promote the sign:
==================
= Feeling 'Locked in'? =
=                                 =
= Freedom Software   =
= Software Libre         =
= FOSS                       =
==================

I have *three* of these, one above the other, each is a full A4 sheet 
(landscape) filled with the very large font, all in a vertical display.
I do not use the words Open or Source in this 'banner headline' 
display. I suspect this is a bit theoretical at the banner level.
Freedom is a strong concept and is accurate for the pitch. Libre is 
known for the same idea, and the French suggestion (with their 
Revolution) emphasises this. (The French Assembly recently moved to 
Ubuntu). FOSS is not publicly known as a term, but shouting the 
initials indicates that a well organised culture exists.

I have a supplementary sign under these saying
'Foss for Windows too!'

My particular display is under the Infopoint Banner (Infopoint was 
initiated by Jono Bacon some time ago)
http://infopointproject.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
and I have the advantage that I attend almost every month repeatedly, 
so regulars will become more confident. I also put my name and address 
on my leaflets (Computer Fair rules).

In recent months I have noticed that more people seem to be aware of 
Linux than before. I suspect this is from media coverage, and I 
believe that now is a a very good time to be getting the message out 
there - 'There is a *choice*'.
-- 
alan cocks
Kubuntu user#10391