Infopoint Project

General questions

Why was the InfoPoint project set up?

Jono Bacon wanted to create a means for regular computer users to get information and learn about free software and what it has to offer. He coined the term “InfoPoint” to describe tables advocating Free Software at computer fairs.

Why computer fairs?

Computer fairs are perfect places for people to learn about free software. They are typically visited by people who use computers regularly and they are spread across a great many towns and cities across the world. This means that there is a large audience of people who have an interest in computers who are going to a central location. This location is a great opportunity to inform people about free software.

There are no events in my area, what can I do?

If there are no events in your area it means that we do not have an agreement for free InfoPoints in that area yet. If you would like to help change this, find out which organisation runs computer fairs in your area and mention the InfoPoint scheme to them, or send their details to the Mailing List. We will then try to set up a similar scheme in that area.

Of course, InfoPoints don’t have to be held at just computer fairs. There are plenty of similar events where an InfoPoint stand would be appropriate.

InfoPoint organiser questions

Can an InfoPoint be set up at any computer fair?

It depends. If you would like to buy a stall at a computer fair you can do whatever you like within the rules of the fair. This project is aimed at making agreements with computer fair organisers to provide stalls for little or no charge for the purpose of informing people about free software.

To kick off this project, agreements were made with Northern Computer Markets and British Computer Fairs to provide a free stall their computer fairs.

What free software projects should be on an InfoPoint?

We are mainly interested in complete free software systems such as Linux and BSD. Because of its higher media profile and the fact that many people involved with InfoPoints are also involved with [http://www.lug.org.uk UK LUGs], Linux tends to be the focus of most current InfoPoints. BSD users are welcome to get involved though. People representing specific FLOSS projects such as KDE and GNOME are discouraged as they are too specific and might detract from the overall purpose of an InfoPoint - to spread information about free software.

How can I run an InfoPoint?

You can get involved by first checking if anyone is running an InfoPoint at the computer fair that you are interested in. You can find this out by checking the venue status page; this page indicates if a particular fair has no InfoPoint planned. If there isn’t a group currently running an InfoPoint at the fair and you would like to get involved, please email the computer fair organisers. If there is a group already running InfoPoints at that venue, then get in touch with them and offer to help out!

What do I need to do to run an InfoPoint?

You will need to basically co-ordinate the organisation of a free software presence at a computer fair. This typically involves finding other people who will help you, arranging resources like CDs and demonstration systems. And actually showing up on the day of course! Once you have run one InfoPoint, it becomes much easier to do so in the future.

What should be on an InfoPoint?

This is really up to you, but the following resources are recommended:

• A computer with a live working free software system that visitors can play with and explore.
• Some information sheets that a visitor can take away with them. These can include further information/websites/contacts etc.
• If possible, some CDs that can be given away with free software on them. These can also be sold for the cost of the media. (See Can I sell software? for more details).

Where can I get resources for running InfoPoints?

Some existing resources can be found on the materials page. Please add any resources you would like to contribute to the InfoPoint project. These resources could include guides on how to set up an InfoPoint, posters, information sheets and more. If you have created something for an InfoPoint please link to it on this wiki or send a link to the Mailing List.

Always try to make your infopoint look as attractive and useful as possible. If you think some of your imagery (such as banners/posters) could be useful to others, please link to them from this wiki.

Can I sell software?

An important agreement with the computer fair organisers is that we are not a company looking for a cheap table to sell software. To ensure that the organisers know that InfoPoints are for the purpose of informing people, we ask that you only sell software for the cost of the media. As an example, if it costs you 20p to make a CD-R with Knoppix on it, only sell it for 20p. This will keep the focus on the software and advocacy, and will avoid afronting traders who are paying full price for their tables.