Re: PostgreSQL speakers needed for OSCON 2004 - Mailing list pgsql-advocacy

On Thu, Dec 18, 2003 at 09:00:37PM -0800, Joe Conway wrote:
> elein wrote:
> >It would be nice to have some sort of knowledge
> >of which postgres people are speaking.  I am
> >planning on submitting a talk as I did last year.
>
> I'm thinking of doing a tutorial -- something like "Extending PostgreSQL
> with C" -- show/explain (comments/additions welcome):
>  - contrib build system basics
>  - building a simple scalar function
>  - I/O functions and a building custom datatype
>  - simple polymorphic scalar functions
>  - SRF using the one-row-at-a-time api
>  - SRF using a tuplestore
>
> I think it would be nice if we had a tutorial or session on advanced use
>  of each PL -- at least for the most commonly used ones.
>
> >It would help us coordinate the BOF better.
> >We did not do a good job last year.  It would
> >also help us talk about some of the things that
> >could be better this year than last.  I have some
> >(ahem) opinions about this.
>
> Great -- let's hear 'em ;-)
>
> Joe
>

 From General Bits Issue #34: ( http://www.varlena.com/GeneralBits/34 )
PostgreSQL people were not particularly visible in the general milieu
of the conference. We were there, but not seen too much.
Several of the talks in the conference and discussions in our
birds of a feather session pointed out that open source projects
need to establish relationships with other open source organizations.
I know that some of us are members of more than one open source group,
but for the most part, we remain fairly isolated.

Talk to each other. Reason things out. This is open source so steal
ideas that work! For example, we need to have more visible, vocal
and active user groups across the world, including the United States.
And perl-mongers is quite successful. What advice can we get from them?

The establishment of relationships between people and groups was
raised in many different contexts at the conference. PostgreSQL,
the database, particularly plays well with others. Is there
something in this that we can use to promote our favorite database?

One mistake that was made at least once was to bad mouth the
perceived competition. Venting one's frustration is one thing,
but, particularly with our minimal visibility, we must make a good
impression.

Also to be noted (not from general bits):

I was the only one who hung out in the speaker room.  This is
a key place where contacts with leaders of other groups can
be made.  This is a good place to make a good impression.

We'll need to come into OSCON as a cohesive yet diverse
group and then show a united face and integrate with
other people and groups.

Doing the people thing is hard for a lot of us.  But individually
my experience is that everyone I've met with postgresql is very
knowledgeable, friendly and personable.

Specific Ideas:

* Pre-plan the BOF.  Make sure it is in the printed schedule.
* "Sponsor" a social outing.  A postgres dinner, bar hours
  or a walk along the river.
* Make sure all postgres speakers and tutorial instructors
  are well "marked" as such.  T-shirts or SIG stickers,
  I suppose.  Or just clear and readable badges.
* Attend sessions besides postgres and:
  - interject how the project relates or could relate
    to postgres, tactfully
  - see how people hold good (and bad) sessions
  - listen to see what people are talking about and
    how that will integrate in your work and with postgres
    possibilities.
* Have a booth (Josh, can we have a little booth?) or a corner
  staffed by someone who can provide information and help
  people find answers to questions about postgres.

Obviously there is always more to be done.  But at very least
we should focus on visibility and friendliness.

elein