The document discusses how to organize a nationwide Linux Presentation Day (LPD) event in Germany to promote open source software. It describes how the 2015 event was organized with a central headquarters coordinating local Linux user groups (LUGs) and open source organizations. The local groups handled logistics, promotion, and content tailored to their area. The campaign focused on mainstream and technology media. Despite challenges coordinating between groups, the initial LPD was more successful than expected, inspiring plans for another in 2016 and possibilities to expand the event across Europe.

1. How to sell a
whole country on
open source
(and have fun along the way)
OggCamp 2015
Liverpool
Dr. Christoph Zimmermann
LUG Frankfurt

2. 31.10.2015 2
Hook ...
● 2015 Linux Day in spring in Berlin no longer ☹
● Thus: Linux Presentation Day was born
● Idea:
– Engage as many LUGs / FOSS groups as possible
– Bring FOSS to the masses!
– Take over the country (at least for one day)
– Have fun!

3. 31.10.2015 3
… line ...
● Federal HQ:
– Overall organization
– Nationwide PR
● Local LUGs / FOSS groups:
– Logistics: location, speakers, etc
– Local PR
– Local focus as appropriate:
● Office
● Gaming
● Development

4. 31.10.2015 4
… line ...
● Catchy theme: No NSA!
– Idea: privacy / data protection concerns for users
– Domain went live: 9/18
– Main content provision via: linux-presentation-
day.de (mainly for SEO reasons)
● Campaign focus on:
– Mass media (Spiegel, stern, etc.)
– But also focus media (netzpolitik.org, etc)

5. 31.10.2015 5
… line ...
● Supported by local marketing campaigns:
– Flyer (on no-nsa.de)
– Viral approach via local organizations
– Local media as appropriate
Wir müssen leider
draußen bleiben!
Keinen Bock auf NSA & Co.
auf Deinem PC?
Deine Daten gehören Dir!
no-nsa.de

6. 31.10.2015 6
… line ...
● Distributed organisation:
– Central mailing list, website for coordination
– National coordination of talks being streamed
live
– Streams archived similar to FOSDEM tracks (for
later LPDs)
– FAQ / install party sessions in similar manner
(supported by IRC channel)
– Moolah: national sponsoring / shared costs
(flyers, posters, etc.)

7. 31.10.2015 7
… and sinker
● Lessons learned:
– Initial outcome: better than expected; whole
DACH area participating
– Quick pick-up by local and national media after
initial PR
– Federal organisation reflecting government: ☹
● Endless discussions
● Multi-day email rants
● But enough drive already for LPD 2.0 @
2016

8. 31.10.2015 8
● A few suggestions: LPD with...
… and sinker
☺

9. 31.10.2015 9
● More seriously:
– Software / hardware development
– Hardcore gaming / Steam
– Office environments
– Research (?)
– Hobbyist applications: SDR, astronomy, …
● Pan-European event?!?
● Ideas of course welcome!
… and sinker

10. 31.10.2015 10
Thanks for the
ride & the fish
Dr. Christoph Zimmermann
monochromec@gmail.com