SCALE

From Sfvlug

This page is a discussion on the SCALE events and our participation.

Preparation For SCALE-6x

It is now summer '07 and time to start thinking about the next SCALE event. Please go to SCALE-6x for info and discussion.

Extended Abstract 2008 For submission to SCALE for 2008 expo.

A Bit Of Reflection On SCALE 5x

I consider our presence at SCALE 5x a success despite the fact that we were unable to present our Psyche demo this year after failing to achieve a satisfactory recognition rate with Sphinx2, the speech recognition engine we had been using in the past. I had a chance to spend more time soaking in the event by concentrating more on the interaction with visitors to our booth than in putting on a presentation. I got a chance to meet a lot of nice folks and while it would be nice to have an attraction to draw in more folks I was reminded that our focus needs to be as much on community as it is on the technology itself.

I have a few suggestions I have based on my experience that might help us grow as a community through our presence at future SCALE events. Some of these suggestions have been discussed in the past but for one reason or another haven't been implemented.

• Printed Handouts - This year we provided printed hand outs with a map to our normal venues. This could be improved to include more information about our organization. Other information about Linux and open source software could be made available.

• Better Signs - We had our SFVLUG Tux poster but some folks didn't understand who or what we were easily from our signs.

• Branding - It would be great if we could provide stickers, or other low cost swag with name and URL included

• Scheduled Participation - I had plenty of help with the booth but it would have been nice to have known in advance when I'd be able to attend a presentation or go to the bathroom.

• Printer - There were many times it would have been handy to print out information for a visitor.

• CD/DVD Burner - I burned a few to hand out, mostly Knoppix 5.1.1 and Open CD for Windoze. It would be nice to continue this practice but a bit more on purpose.

--Miasma 23:07, 13 February 2007 (EST)