Free Software just keeps growing. I had no idea how much until I poked around the site linked to the logo, above and found activities planned in Canada.
- Kitchener’s planning an InstallFest and other software give-aways.
- Montreal has two projects planned.
- The Linux User’s Group in Ottawa will be putting on displays and distributing software.
- The Pickering Public Library will host demonstrations of Free Software.
- In St. John’s, OSCanada provides fully open source IT services including unified communications.
- Even Winnipeg is having an event at SkullSpace with 3 FLOSS games and demonstrations.
It makes me feel I should be doing more… It’s interesting that some people are building FLOSS communities around non-profit organizations. That might fit with my connection to education. Perhaps a retirement project or gainful employment could be in there somewhere.
It’s a sure thing that Free Software is increasing its presence in Canada. Looking at the list of countries with projects planned I am impressed that every corner of the globe is represented.
FreeGeek has some good write ups on the staff a store can support and needs. You should be able to kick one off for little more than the cost of a storefront, some advertising and donated computers but will want help if things go well. Check out what they have to say about it.
I was just thinking about something like FreeGeek. It could work for me except that I don’t want to risk a bunch of startup capital. I like being a one-man crusader. Cost of entry is small and I get maximum freedom. I just have to think of how to make it pay… 😉
Go make the connections and do the business. Earth Day and other like minded events are good to set up at. If you don’t have a gnu users group, set one up. You should be able to pull a few consulting hours out of it. If you are really hard up for work, set up a FreeGeek so that everyone in your home town can get their hands on a good computer. I’m glad there’s so much going on around you.