[ubuntu-us-mn] How to start an installfest

[Tony Yarusso]

On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 12:17 PM, Doug W <groovy.doug at gmail.com> wrote:
> I am trying to get an installfest started. Maybe even start something on a
> regular basis.

Excellent!  The more events the merrier.

> As far as getting the word out. I just joined the list. I own a small
> company, so I would be able to put a little bit of money into flyers or
> postcards. I have made up some initial postcard designs based on other
> events.

We also have a web site, Identi.ca account, Facebook group, and IRC
channel that can be used to advertise such events.  As soon as details
are worked out we can blast it around the tubes.  If you can do
awesome flyers, that's great.  Another option is that System76 often
provides a few free half-sheet flyers for release parties if given a
few weeks lead time to print and ship them.

> As far as a location. I talked with a small computer company that has some
> space in Eagan and they would like to host something. They also have some
> good deals on computers ($150 for a used computer and 17" LCD) which I have
> done some testing with. Maybe this would be a good way to raise some funds
> for the next event (slightly mark up the computers for fund-raising).

Eagan would be great - we had a number of comments at our last release
event in St. Paul that a good chunk of people were from the W/SW Metro
and it was a bit of a drive for them.  Fundraising ideas are always
interesting, although if you do it we should chat about accounting.
;)

> As far as installing goes. I successfully setup an apt-cacher and have been
> testing that out. I am planning on downloading some different Ubuntu
> versions and burning CDs. I think the location would be able to provide
> networking equipment (switch and server).

apt-cacher is a nice solution if you have limited disk space.  If you
can come up with 400GB or so, you can host the entire repositories and
all CD images, allowing for a completely offline release party!  I can
help you set that up if you'd like.

> So any ideas on what my next steps would be? How many people I could expect?

Pick a date and time, and start telling people to come.  The Friday
evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday afternoon immediately following
or one week after the release are usually popular choices.  As far as
numbers, small towns may just get a handful, Duluth/Superior got I
think 15, and St. Paul had around 40 last October, so you could
probably count on 20-25 I'd think.  More if you advertise well.  :)

Feel free to drop by #ubuntu-us-mn on Freenode if you'd like to chat
with me or others real-time sometime.

 - Tony Yarusso