Re: [Ambassadors] Re: FAD @ LFNW
On Sat, May 02, 2009 at 12:56:29PM -0600, Clint Savage wrote:
First is that we need a representative (or two) to sit at the
entrance
and answer questions. Something like 'Ask a Fedoran' at a small table
right near the door. This is much like triage. If people come to
work on an activity that we've advertised, they'll get them inside and
working with someone who's in charge of that particular activity.
This is the key and part of what keeps us focused.
This is a very astute observation. I know that a FAD is being
organized for the SELF conference[1]. Hopefully the folks setting
that event up will look at the experience of the LFNW FAD attendees
and use it to inform their planning.
Secondly, I think we need to have a design of what we're there
to
accomplish. At SCaLE, we had a much better idea of what was to be
accomplished. We went to task on it and were able to complete a few
things. This was good and with the triage person, we really could've
gotten more done. Thus a learning experience. At LFNW, it felt more
like we were scattered, didn't really have any idea of what we were
going to work on until we showed up and because of that, we didn't
really accomplish much at all other than helping folks with their
fedora problems.
Point also well taken. This is something that Max and I agree with
whole-heartedly in general. Whether you call it the "5P principle" or
come at it from the standpoint of budget allotment, it still makes
sense that having a plan going into the event is always going to
contribute to success.
In both cases (SCaLE and LFNW) I have found that we were well
received
and that people were excited to see our presence. We've made a great
impact on these communities. However, with the two improvements I've
mentioned, I feel we could really help these communities *and* get a
few things done. I don't think there is a way to avoid talking with
the public at a FAD, we should be welcoming them. The key here is
management of people and getting them where they want to be quickly
and efficiently. Thus, I am suggesting that any FAD held alongside a
larger event *must* have defined people and goals.
I hope this feedback helps overall. Karsten and I have talked at
length about much of this and we've continually been working on the
'How to organize a FAD'[1] page on the wiki. I think that's the best
place to continue to focus our efforts and improve the FAD experience.
Excellent comments Clint -- maybe you could work another blog post out
of the two points you just made more clearly than I could have! ;-)
--
Paul W. Frields http://paul.frields.org/
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