Free Time
When I'm not at work, what I mostly do is popularizing free software. I have taken part in organizing several Linux install fests.
Linux fests are events for Linux experts and fans. During a fest, anyone can bring their computer and have Linux installed, as well as receive consultation on issues that may interest them. To organize a Linux fest is the same as to make any other such event happen - find a suitable (big enough) room or hall, gather lectors, create a PR and promotional campaign... The challenge comes with the fact that this work is all voluntary. There are many free and open-source software fans in Bulgaria and with their support, many fests have been held out, the most notable of which is OpenFest - the day of open-source software. These are the fests I've taken part in, besides some modest help for OpenFest 2006 and 2007 in Sofia:
OpenFest 2005
This year, which is the third one in a row for the fest,
OpenFest happenings were held consequently from October to December 2005 in
eight cities and towns in Bulgaria: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo,
Dobrich, Pazardzhik and Sliven. This year I took part in the fest as a coordinator
of OpenFest Pazardzhik and as a member of the media group, which takes care
that all OpenFest events in the country are covered by the media in a timely
and accurate manner, as well as that the right press releases are prepared.
This year OpenFest Pazardzhik was held on 22 October in Telecentre
Pazardzhik. The program contained both technical and popular lectures. For
the first time this year, free culture is presented as a part of OpenFest.
Pazardzhik also took part in this initiative. For the second year in a row,
I was the sole coordinator and planner of OpenFest Pazardzhik.
You can find photographs and archives of presentations held during OpenFest
2005 all over the country in the OpenFest
2005 archive.
OpenFest Pazardzhik 2004 - 23 October 2004
OpenFest was held for the second year in a row, and for the first time the fest was also marked off in Pazardzhik. In the small hall on the second floor of the Youth Center, experts held various lectures, and there was a screening of the documentary Revolution OS. This year I organized the fest in Pazardzhik, including choosing and hiring a hall and presentation equipment, choice of lectors, contacts with the press and hosting the festival.
Linux Install Fest Shoumen - 8 and 9 May 2004
One of the latest fests in Bulgaria, organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of the Shoumen University and Central Internet Club. Here I helped with making the site and finding lectors for the fest.
LIFE (Linux Install Fest Eurocom Plovdiv) - 6 and 7 July 2003
This was one of the biggest fests in Bulgaria, as well as the first one which lasted for two days. It was organized by the Free Software Association Bulgaria and Eurocom TV. It was held in the Science and Technology Palace in Plovdiv. The fest's main point was to show how Linux and other open-source application can be used in Internet and game clubs. I created the fest's web site and took pictures during the event.
Linux Install Fest Pazardzhik - 20 April 2003
The fest was held in Delta Club, one of the largest computer clubs, located in the center of the town. I carried out most of the fest organization, I created a web site, I created the web site, I contacted the media and hosted the fest.