Contributors program/February 27, 2009

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<CanoeBerry> MTG WILL BEGIN IN ~2 MIN: See http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributors_program/meetings <ChristophD> As expteced I'm in the middle of dinner so will join you a little later... :)

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<CanoeBerry> NP! <dirakx> ;) <CanoeBerry> Hola Colombia! <dirakx> CanoeBerry: Hola USA ! ;)

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<CanoeBerry> Hi Anil. <anil_> hi adam <CanoeBerry> Slow start. <CanoeBerry> A) We have 4 project to review fast. <anil_> sure <CanoeBerry> B) We want mentors for the 60 projects that are backlogged from roughly Nov/Dec/Jan <CanoeBerry> C) We will discuss our emerging CP "v2.0" and v3.0 hoefully arriving by spring <CanoeBerry> Let's wait a couple more min for a quorum. Who else can we pull in? Christoph will join from Austria in a few min when he's done eating. <CanoeBerry> Anybody else?

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<CanoeBerry> While we wait, here are the 4 projects we want to quickly review: <CanoeBerry> 1) http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34887 XOs for Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) <CanoeBerry> 2) http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34888 LAXO XO Lending Library (Southern Calif) <CanoeBerry> 3) http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34889 Olin Repair Center (Massachusetts)

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<anil_> would you prefer I adopt a specific project rather than choose one of my liking? I think you might be having some prioritization thoughts <CanoeBerry> 4) http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34959 Repair David Conclaves's XO <CanoeBerry> While we wait for just a bit, I want to preview Agenda Item B), where Culseg and others can hopefully explain the best ways to nurture our ~60 backlogged projects, most of which already have preliminary approval, and just need Mentors to push them to clean up their shipping addresses and intentions to complete the prjct! <CanoeBerry> Culseg: your work has been an inspiration to others this week, kickstarting mentoring here. <CanoeBerry> Sorry SJ & others are busy right now. Shall we start anyway? <Caryl> Hi all...I've been too swamped with followups on SCaLE and getting ready for CUE next week. I've neglected my tickets! <Caryl> Adam...Is Jan's shipment to Kenya happening? <Culseg> I'd advise a style of generating info from the potential Constributor to first see how they communicate and thereby get an update, since many of these requests are quite dated <CanoeBerry> Caryl's discussing http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=20192 which is awaiting Fedex clarification as to whether they can ship to rural Kenya <ChristophD> okay, here I am <CanoeBerry> great, let's start. <CanoeBerry> Culseg: plz help explain more during Agenda Item B) in 15min from now. Your input will help all others. <CanoeBerry> Agenda Item A) Fast Review of this week's 4 projects fast

<CanoeBerry> #1 of 4: http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34887 XOs for Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) <ChristophD> okay, looking at the 4 projects as we speak <Culseg> topic above goes to wrong link for adjenda <Caryl> Aside: Can we discuss the application process? Anil and I were looking at it last night. It has a lot of big problems. <CanoeBerry> Caryl: That's Agenda Item C). And B) too. See above. <ChristophD> Caryl, I agree <CanoeBerry> First we want quick looks at this week's 4 projects. <CanoeBerry> Culseg: clarify broken link for me if you can.

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<CanoeBerry> #1 of 4 needs feedback: Naval Postgraduate School <CanoeBerry> Hastily Formed Networks Research Group

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<Culseg> RT34887 seems to have a the right idea, and to test how disaster relates to deployments could be a very good thing! <CanoeBerry> http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Projects/XOs_for_HADR <ChristophD> #34887 looks good to me! <CanoeBerry> Any concerns on 34887 or do we have initial consensus? <ChristophD> #34888 also <CanoeBerry> They want 4 XO's for 12 months. <ChristophD> 34887 seems solid to me <ChristophD> plus 4 XOs is a reasonable start I think <ChristophD> an option would be to give them 3 for 6 months initially <CanoeBerry> Before we get to 34888, which is #2 of 4. <Caryl> Wow! They used the template! Will they be able to buy 10000 units if they decide this is a viable use of the XO for their overall project?

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<Caryl> If not, they need to know up front that all their work may be for naught. <CanoeBerry> Aside: I revised Caryl's template ( http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributors_program_criteria ) during the past 24hrs

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<CanoeBerry> But moving on, how many do we suggest for Human Assist / Disast Relief? <CanoeBerry> 3 or 4 XO's? <ChristophD_> okay, lets start with 3 maybe <CanoeBerry> OK, Another voice? <Caryl> 4 <CanoeBerry> Another voice? <Caryl> but they need to know there may be problems buying more <CanoeBerry> Anil? <CanoeBerry> OK, I will engage this Prjct. <Culseg> 4 sounds fine for disaster study ... <anil_> sorry if this is a dumb q, but shouldnt they be reqd to elaborate a little on why 4 and not 2 or 6 ? <CanoeBerry> anil_: yes <CanoeBerry> anil_: do you want to engage them? <anil_> sure ... <CanoeBerry> Great: plz steal 34887 from me, and I will work this tkt with you. <anil_> ok. sounds good ... <Caryl> 4 because that is what they asked for. 34888 all of the above plus has been done. The donor is interested, we just have to find a place to house the machines. Plus I'd like to be able to get them a tax deduction for their donation. ... <anil_> for 34887: I mean how are we discussing 3 vs 4 (at random?) e.g. Cristoph suggested we start with 3. Well, they may have specific reasons for 4. shouldnt they elaborate on that so that we understand better? I mean starting with 3 when they asked for 4 is a little confusing to me ... <anil_> q about 34887: looks to me like they have all required details in place. What would be the next step for me as a mentor? Just send them an approval email and you ship? ... <CanoeBerry> anil_: just Reply to the ticket! If you are nervous, put your reply as a Comment and I will review it first. Be bold. Sandy's done quite a number -- ask him if you need lingo. <anil_> sure

<CanoeBerry> Moving in to #2 of 4: http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34888 LAXO XO Lending Library (Southern Calif) <CanoeBerry> "20 people interested in starting a grassroots group in the <CanoeBerry> Southern California area" ... <Culseg> 34888 should also connect with OLPC Santa Barbara <ChristophD_> and OLPC SF ... <CanoeBerry> Culseg: who is OLPC Santa Barbara? <CanoeBerry> 34888 (LAXO) requests 12 XO's for 60 months. <CanoeBerry> Pending their final proposal. <Culseg> NN spoke there in Jan , I can dig up contact and put in ticket <CanoeBerry> Culseg: thanks! <Caryl> 4 because that is what they asked for. 34888 all of the above plus has been done. The donor is interested, we just have to find a place to house the machines. Plus I'd like to be able to get them a tax deduction for their donation. <CanoeBerry> Caryl: what donation? <Caryl> 10-12 XOs <Culseg> they don <Culseg> they don't pay for them in CP program <ChristophD_> Caryl, I also dont understand that donation part:-? <CanoeBerry> Caryl: also, when do you anticipate http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Projects/LAXO_XO_Library will be live? <CanoeBerry> We need a pretty public face before approving a library :) <CanoeBerry> Caryl can add her thoughts later if nec? ...

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<Caryl> The company has 10-12 xos they got from G1G1. They would like to keep them local. We have a lot of contacts from schools and universities from SCaLE <CanoeBerry> anil_: just ask the contributor to justify how he will use 3 versus 4. <CanoeBerry> anil_: we have initial approval, and will wrap up final approval together and ship. <Caryl> We are trying to get an LAXO group started. I have about 20 names from SCaLE and will have more after CUE next weekend <CanoeBerry> Caryl: What are you asking of these 20 names to push this forward? <Caryl> The guy with the XOs is willing to donate even if he can't get a deduction, but it seems the right thing to do. <ChristophD_> Also, why specifically 12 XOs? <CanoeBerry> Another conversation for another time probably, but keep us in the loop :) <Caryl> Because that is what he has! <ChristophD_> I think 12 is quite a high number for an initial seeding of a group <CanoeBerry> You Hollywood star, put LAXO in the lights! <Caryl> Ja! Ja! ... <Caryl> He wants to keep them local. We could just wait until all the schools and individuals I talked to last week and will talk to next week to apply, but it seems more efficient to keep them local. Besides, that is what sj suggested we do. <CanoeBerry> Let's move on to #3 of 4, and plz all continue to encourage Caryl to fine-tune her proposal. <CanoeBerry> Caryl may not need any XO's from Chicago it sounds like.. <CanoeBerry> But Caryl: make sure to ask if you do. <CanoeBerry> OK moving on. <Caryl> Right!

<CanoeBerry> #3 of 4: http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34889 Olin Repair Center (Massachusetts) <CanoeBerry> Wants 4 salvaged XO's for repairs.

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<CanoeBerry> Motherboards are her main need it appears. <CanoeBerry> This bends the rules of OLPC, but Nikki & all have done great work and I approve. <Culseg> is there more repair stock that can be sent instead <CanoeBerry> Possibly, but broken machines are not what she wants here. Salvage / Give Anothers here in Cambridge might be more appropriate. <CanoeBerry> As Olin has a backlog of repairs i hear -- needing to fix a couple badly borked Mobo's folks have sent in. <Culseg> fine, send those, I like there project too! <CanoeBerry> Other voices approval/denying? <CanoeBerry> I approve. <CanoeBerry> Anybody else concur? <Caryl> +1 <CanoeBerry> Done.

<CanoeBerry> #4 of 4 is much the same: http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34959 <CanoeBerry> CZ is doing fantastic work (repair and otherwise) at Olin, but working a bit independently of Nikki. <CanoeBerry> I (personally) would approve this one too, just like #3 above.

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<CanoeBerry> Opinions? <Caryl> +1

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<CanoeBerry> Good: The above 2 are a limited window of opp thing, as Give Anothers arriving here in Camb, Mass will end soon, at long last. <CanoeBerry> All Done with his week's 4 proposals for now.

<anil_> sorry if this was covered somewhere and i missed it - one more point, is it possible to get a list of the 4 tickets we plan to discuss in advance? Im trying to read the details and think through questions and type all at once <CanoeBerry> anil_: it's up above. i'll paste it in again. <CanoeBerry> 1) http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34887 XOs for Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) <CanoeBerry> 2) http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34888 LAXO XO Lending Library (Southern Calif) <CanoeBerry> 3) http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34889 Olin Repair Center (Massachusetts) <CanoeBerry> 4) http://rt.laptop.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=34959 Repair David Conclaves's XO <anil_> no I meant in advance of the meeting <CanoeBerry> anil_: I'll try in future. <anil_> great

<Caryl> Now can we discuss the application process? You will notice I did NOT use the template. The contributors database where I applied does not ask for it. It is totally different <CanoeBerry> Agenda Item B) the almost ~60 proposals backlogged from Nov/Dec/Jan needing mentoring/shipping. <anil_> Im just wondering - the contrib program seems to be morphed into repair center mobo work. What about other repair centers with similar needs but not as much creativity? <CanoeBerry> anil_: the above 2 are an isolated case. <anil_> ok <CanoeBerry> But yes, repair centers should apply for projects like anybody else. <ChristophD____> CanoeBerry, how many XOs can OLPC ship out via CP / month <CanoeBerry> B) While Culseg and others have helped a lot (and we're awaiting SJ) the issue is mentoring. <CanoeBerry> I will help. <CanoeBerry> The issue is not shipping. <CanoeBerry> The issue is providing a humane service, handholding these up to the shipping process and beyond. <CanoeBerry> I could (and will in some cases) ship a lot of these backlogged projects in the next 10 days, but we will have succeeded if we pair them up with ppl who actually give a damn to help prjcts along over 2009.. <Caryl> There must be a maximun number of available XOs <ChristophD____> Thats why we have been discussing local repositories for two months now. Not having to deal with the many inquiries and helping with actually just getting the XO would free a lot of time to actually be there and mentor people when they have the XO <CanoeBerry> yes and no <CanoeBerry> Local Library Proposals have been slower to arrive than I'd hoped. <anil_> q about 34887: looks to me like they have all required details in place. What would be the next step for me as a mentor? Just send them an approval email and you ship? <CanoeBerry> I've been pushing an Oregon guy to get his XO Library plan in place, but these things take time to get right

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<Culseg> on a positive note, the new queue in RT for CP is a vast improvemnet over the sunken ships of DB or just email

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<CanoeBerry> anil_: just Reply to the ticket! If you are nervous, put your reply as a Comment and I will review it first. Be bold. Sandy's done quite a number -- ask him if you need lingo. <anil_> sure <CanoeBerry> hullaw: hi, you're living evidence the new process is beginning to work better, right? <Caryl> Re: Library Proposals...I only put mine in because the machines are available and it would be a good project to help jump-start a grassroots group that will probably meet FTF only once but frequently online <hullaw> I believe so! <hullaw> I missed most of the meeting so far, will read the notes <CanoeBerry> NP <ChristophD> CanoeBerry, if you have a minute please also let me know whether my reply to edw in RT was okay. thx <Culseg> anil get them to post a wiki update and basically check in with them....before saying approval etc. <CanoeBerry> So (i) keep promoting local libraries, as these people have been slower to get their plans together than we'd hoped <CanoeBerry> (ii) we need mentors NOW for the almost 60 projects here: <CanoeBerry> http://rt.laptop.org/Search/Results.html?Query=Queue=%27contributors%27 <CanoeBerry> I will engage the Applicants myself if nec over the coming 10 days, but you all can do better than me just sending form letters!!!!!!!!! <anil_> culseg: aah, thanks! I had this feeling I was missing something <CanoeBerry> I will be pushing ppl harder (thanks for yr help Caryl) to pair up and help projects going forward. Thank you for the ~6 ppl who've given so much already. <CanoeBerry> You know who who are! <Caryl> I'll look over the list, but won't be able to take very many because of all the conference stuff going on.

<CanoeBerry> Shall we move onto C) Process improvements and NextGen v3.0 requests ? <CanoeBerry> Specifically, http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributors_program_criteria <Caryl> nice page. But when they go to the application place, it is all different <CanoeBerry> Forms are form, hated by all, but as we re-engineer this, Caryl's see here is a great start. <CanoeBerry> Noting that the freeform ProjectDB "state your employer" and "state your experience" etc textfields also work reasonably well to guilt ppl into lining up their ideas etc. <Caryl> Anil and I noticed that the regular form asks for a "detailed description" That is why we are getting huge, run-on paragraphs that don't really tell us what we need to know <Caryl> We need people to be encouraged to be clear and concise <CanoeBerry> Caryl: so you are advocating an immediate transition to your own template here http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributors_program_criteria ? <CanoeBerry> That's an idea SJ endorses. Fine-tuning the form won't be easy, but we should try. <Caryl> That would be great. Anil what do you think? <CanoeBerry> We can force ppl to email contributors @ laptop.org directly instead of using ProjectDB. <anil_> yes - projectdb says "Try to describe as detailled as possible" Perhaps we might reword that to "Try to describe as specific for x y z as possible" where x, y z are what we need <CanoeBerry> If I/we pretty up http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributors_program we may even be able to do that within the week. <Caryl> that's what the template does! <anil_> I meant "Try to be as specifc for x y z as possible" where x, y z are from the template <ChristophD> can you send us a link for the template please <ChristophD> as I'm not exactly sure what you are talking about... <Caryl> It is above...criteria <ChristophD> ah, okay, thx <ChristophD> thought you were talking about a form-based template or something <anil_> sure, but I wonder if someone might read the template and then go to projectdb. Can we at least add a link to the template from within projectdb? <CanoeBerry> It could be web form. <CanoeBerry> But for now it's Caryl's recommendations for sharper questions. <Caryl> right <CanoeBerry> anil_: SJ favors a full transition immediately this week. <CanoeBerry> Away from ProjectDB <Caryl> wasn't it easier to read the one today that used the template? <CanoeBerry> Asking ppl to email some highly-structured version of Caryl's form to contributors @ laptop.org <ChristophD> what happened to the idea of revamping projectdb?

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<ChristophD> and while I'm not partial to one approach or another I do agree with SJ that a decision to use a single system should be made one way or another <Caryl> could we do both in case someone is "lost in the wiki?" <CanoeBerry> It remains too incomplete of an idea <CanoeBerry> ProjectDB's structured DB has +'s but many, many -'S <CanoeBerry> And security holes we need to put an end to. <CanoeBerry> And failure to ask shipping state/province etc. <Caryl> Actually, I agree with SJ. Just don't want folks to end up in the wrong one <anil_> sure. Whatever the new version, can we point to a "super-example" (like HA/DR 34887) at the form page for people to understand what it means to be specific ? The more we help them with examples, the clearer the outcome <CanoeBerry> SJ wants ProjectDB ended this week. But I want to hear other voices. <CanoeBerry> I believe "6 beauty projects" will be key. <CanoeBerry> Ppl need to see a gorgeous representative Enviro Prjct. <ChristophD> when is that v3.0 coming out? <CanoeBerry> - Health Prjct <CanoeBerry> - HW Prjct <CanoeBerry> - SW Prjct <CanoeBerry> - Pedagogy Prjct <CanoeBerry> - Etc <ChristophD> because I'm sceptical of anything Wiki based and would much prefer a real web based system <CanoeBerry> Rules & Bureaucracy scare ppl away :) <CanoeBerry> There's no need for much Wiki. This would be an email/RT-based system for now. <CanoeBerry> With some Wiki full-public transparency wherever possible, yes. <Caryl> I don't like ProjectsDB. Not user friendly, encourages lousy apps. Not anything like a standard grant application process. <ChristophD> I'll make so to include a whole chapter on the CP in my OLPC book: devel@laptop.org => projectdb => RT => v3.0 => ??? <CanoeBerry> I've had some very hostile comments from applicants about ProjectDB, yes. <ChristophD> glad we're not wasting time and energy on system transitions every 6 months <CanoeBerry> RT ~= v2.0 <ChristophD> okay, rant over <ChristophD> ;) <Caryl> Add mine! <CanoeBerry> The experimental v3.0 we will talk about Sun Mch 8. With one its main architects joining us on the call I hope. <Caryl> Fun!

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<CanoeBerry> v3.0 won't just be about CP however; it's intended to be a Social Network for projects of all magnitude and all stripe, whether or not folks need HW. We shall see where this goes; it has a lot of potential. <CanoeBerry> But for now, let's stick to reality, this v2.0 stuff :) <CanoeBerry> OK, let's wrap up now as 3PM approached in 4min. <Caryl> Lunch is calling

<CanoeBerry> http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributors_program needs a massive overhaul--who will help me? <CanoeBerry> anil_ ? <CanoeBerry> others ? <anil_> sure. specific thoughts? <Caryl> not till a couple of weeks after CUE. Too much follow-up needed. Roadshows are more work than I expected <CanoeBerry> Let's talk by phone. SJ favors whitewashing most of the cruft from the existing Contributors program page, and I tend to agree. <hullaw> count me in...as a helper :) <CanoeBerry> We need a *serious* spring cleaning. <anil_> I mean you wouldnt want my version of overhaul ;) <CanoeBerry> hullaw: awesome <Caryl> I will be sending people there from CUE and sent a lot from SCaLE <CanoeBerry> hullaw & anil_: plz help me edit the talk page ( http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Talk:Contributors_program ) if you are nervous about directly freshening up the pg itself <CanoeBerry> *** We don't need to market ourselves as crassly as http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Pretty_Pretty_Princess but we defin need Pretty Face after 2 yrs now or burning bridges on one the most awe-inspiring offering this OLPC/Sugar community has to offer *** <anil_> ok. lets discuss over phone <CanoeBerry> hullaw & anil_: let's talk by phone. End of meeting? <CanoeBerry> Final comments? <Culseg> CP program should generate some new requests from emerging OLPC Corps teams <hullaw> sure <anil_> when's the call? <anil_> Im ok with now. 408.xxx.xxxx <CanoeBerry> OK! <hullaw> same 435.xxx.xxxx <ChristophD> over an out, speak soon <CanoeBerry> OK's I'll call you both in 5. Thanks ChristophD & Culseg & countles others... <Caryl> I'm out to lunch but will leave the computer on to see what I miss <ChristophD> speak to you on Sunday, enjoy your weekend until then <Culseg> I will catch up later <CanoeBerry> DONE. Bye til next week. Others who want to directly help Mentoring (our most critical need!) plz join here: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Support_Gang

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