[Infopoint] What have we discovered?

[Paul Waring]

Jono Bacon wrote:
> Any more thoughts?

- Plenty of CDs burned in advance, with some blanks at the ready in case 
you need to make some more when you're there - we had a few people take 
a couple of CDs because there were going to give one to a friend of well 
(and the best advocacy possible is a recommendation from someone you 
already trust). I know it seems annoying when some people take CDs who 
might not be interested themselves, but you never know - they might see 
it on their desk a week later and decide to give it a whirl.

- Extension sockets! We only had two plugs at our Infopoint yet we had 
brought a PC and two laptops. Fortunately I'd brought a 6 way surge 
protected socket so we were alright, but it's something that's easy to 
forget in the rush to make CDs, create posters etc.

- Printed sheets with information about Linux - we gave out AFFS ones 
that Ian had brought with him, but it's also something that even 
non-technical people can pick up and look at and hopefully take a few to 
give to their friends or even at work to colleagues.

- Wallets for CDs, even if they're just cheap plastic/cardboard ones, 
because it makes it so much easier.

- Posters, lots and big ones (I know someone who has an A3 printer so if 
I can twist their arm I will print out a couple of posters for the next 
Manchester Infopoint if anyone wants to design some) so people know who 
you are and catch their attention.

I would also definitely advise having at least one machine running 
Knoppix all day, that way you can immediately show it working. Perhaps 
even put it on a machine with Windows installed so people can see that 
it really can co-exist and doesn't damage their existing data.

Food is also an excellent idea, I know John brought along refreshments 
last time as well as drinks which was greatly appreciated. If one person 
made a couple of batches of tea/coffee in vacuum that's also good, 
although I had too much stuff in my bag last time anyway so carrying 
extra stuff wasn't really an option.

Business cards are an idea that Matt mentions on his weblog. I think 
these are a bit of a double-edged sword - they make us look professional 
but at the same time we don't want to overdo it. Also, if you want to do 
them properly they can cost quite a bit of money and it might annoy NCM 
if we are seen to be giving out cards at a free table.

Paul

Paul