[TOS] Public request for funds

[Jeff Osier-Mixon]

Hi all,

I was asked to forward this to the list at large because we believe
there are TOS folks out there like me who require financial support for
TOS-related undertakings, but may be afraid to bring it up.  In our
western culture, it is often considered bad taste to discuss things like
money openly.  We should change that so that we can all participate as
much as possible.

Who am I:  I am a community manager, technical writer, and "developer
advocate" for Linux in particular and open source in general.  I have
been involved with open source since my first job with Cygnus Support in
1992, making coffee, answering phones, and writing technical
documentation.  I have worked mostly in the embedded sector and
exclusively in open source since 1999.  More information on me is
available on my website at http://jefro.net and on my blog "Jeff's Open
Source Resource" at http://jefro.wordpress.com.

My role in TOS:  I am a believer in teaching open source, and
particularly in getting young people indoctrinated into the concepts of
sharing for mutual benefit, developing social skills and working well
with others, and getting outside of one's comfort box, all of which are
deeply supported by open source doctrines.  I have been lurking for a
while but recently got involved with the upcoming TOS mini-summit at
LinuxCon, along with Sebastian Dziallas, Karlie Robinson, and Mel Chua.
 So far, we have had a few discussions on format, attendance, and
organization, and I have edited the wiki page that Sebastian set up.  I
have also reached out to a few contacts for speaking opportunities and
started a page on the LinuxCon wiki for a social event after the
mini-summit.

I would be helping with and, hopefully, speaking at the TOS
mini-summit with or without funds.  My intention is to help in any way I
can, including setting up and taking down signs and helping with
registration, coordinating with the Linux Foundation, sourcing
materials, promotion, recording, giving keynotes or presentations,
running an unconference, tracking down speakers---anything that is
needed.

My situation:  I speak at several conferences each year, and I have two
talks confirmed at LinuxCon aside from the mini-summit.  My company
usually pays travel expenses for my conference attendance.  However, we
were just acquired by a different company a few months ago.  Financial
issues are still shaking out, and my travel budget has disappeared
completely.  I would not expect a TOS organization to pay my entire
travel agenda to LinuxCon, but would be very pleased if I could get the
plane fare (~$500) and possibly one hotel night (~$180) covered.

If there is a formal process to request funds, I'd be glad to follow it.

Thanks,

Jeff Osier-Mixon
jefro at jefro.net <mailto:jefro at jefro.net>
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