Re: [Fsuk-manchester] Raising Our Profile

[Tim Dobson]

Dave Page wrote:
> I'm trying to work out ways in which we can promote the Manchester Free 
> Software group more widely, particularly to nontechnical audiences.

In some ways, it's hard to see us being able to promote ourselves to 
non-technical audiences when we have a "geeky" image.

I have, on numourous occasions, promoted MFS to nontechnical audiences 
but  have felt that the percieved "geeky" image has put off those who 
have not attended meetings previously.

> If you look at our list of regular publicity avenues at 
> http://groups.fsf.org/index.php/Manchester/Meetings/Publicity you will see 
> that they're mostly geek-oriented.
>
> There should be plenty of groups and individuals in Manchester who'd be 
> interested in our talks, and in free software in general, but currently we're 
> I'd welcome suggestions for ways to reach out with our 
> message beyond the technical arena.

If a representative of the group is willing to talk to reporters and 
explain what free software *is*, I'd be happy to try and promote to MeN 
& the Metro.

The biggest issues with mainstream publicity will be preconceptions on 
technically minded people and misconceptions on free software.

Manchester Geek Girl Dinners (lets not start this again!) got their 
event promoted on BBC Radio Manchester... Perhaps we can do the same?

It will be tough work to get started, but the progress made would be 
substantial.

Tim

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