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Re: Adoption - NOT. Cooperation/assistance - yes.



Shay Rojansky wrote:
 
> 1. FTP. There is no STABLE FTP site containing Slackware 3.0.0,
>    let alone a sunsite mirror. Even HUJI has its problems of disk
>    space. Sela might be able to provide a big disk and allow for
>    a close, stable sunsite mirror.

ftp.tau.ac.il has been there for the past 2 years, carrying the latest slackware. I
never had any problem with it.
 
> 2. Web. The fact that the Linux-il page is in Weizmann has caused some
>    problems. For example, we CANNOT advertise through it. I'm not even
>    sure if it would be "legal" to advertise our booth in Computax.
>    Sela-provided webspace would enable us this.

True, but it doesn't necessaryly ahve to be them. As far as I know, we didn't try
to contact service providers or companies to donate some space for us.
 
> 3. Meeting place. I think that after about 4 meetings it's time we find
>    ourselves a place to meet. They can also help with installation
>    meetings. Sela can take of that as well.

And probably push their CDs/Unix courses on the people there too, so after about 2
meetings newbies will avoid it for fear of being harrassed. I sisn't notice we had
a real problem in finding a place once we set our mind to it.

 
> 4. Negotiations with companies. The main reason we didn't get books,
>    different types of CD-ROMS, shirts, etc. is because no company will
>    negotiate special settlements (consignation) with a group of nobodys.
>    A company WILL negotiate with a big company like Sela (not to mention
>    that Sela themselves have lots of Linux/Unix material).

And what will we gain from it? They can, and probably do it now without us, so why
do you think they will want to share it with us?
 
> 5. Advertising. Sela could help us advertise ourselves and spread Linux
>    around. We can't do that alone.
> 
> In short, there are many pluses to cooperating. We should be careful
> not to get swallowed, and be independant - have our own Linux-il booth
> SEPARATE from Sela's, have our own mailing list. In short, business as
> usual, but with a big body backing us up.

Again, why do you think Sela will go for it? It'll cost them a lot of money, and
they will gain little more than having another booth remotely affiliated with them.

 
> By the way, all this is purely theoretical until Ira and myself talk
> with Sela and see what they're offering.

Despite all the flames above, talking with them cannot hurt. Just remember that
these people (and other potential sponsors) have the exact opposite motives than us
- they are after MONEY. If we can somehow find a middle point that will not
compromise the linux/free software spirit, and will still be acceptable by them,
that's fine. However, i'm a bit pesimistic when Sela is concerned - it's ot digital
who have lots money to give and has been supporting free software for a while now.

Good luck anyway :)


-- 
Regards,

Gilad Gam
Vocaltec LTD.


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