[Strategic] getting started

[Emilie Laffray]

On 3 June 2010 06:26, Mikel Maron <mikel_maron at yahoo.com> wrote:

>
> Creating and distributing support materials makes a lot of sense.
>
> Kate made a request on talk the other day for OSM advertising materials.
>
> I could also see this encompassing things like white papers targetting
> corporate and government users.
>
> The PR shop would gather requirements, arrange designs, and distribution.
> The materials certainly need funding. Is the HR here a paid position?
>

I think in terms of strategy that the Foundation need better communication
both internally and externally in the end. Getting organized on this topic
could prove extremely useful. Doing outreach to communities not speaking
English would be absolutely great as it is clear that some people don't
intervene as they find English too initimidating.


>
> Would outreach support go beyond this, to program support?
> A fictitious example: a conservation group wants to map the greenbelt
> of their in detail. They have the interest to do it themselves, using OSM,
> but need funding.
>
>
I think it could be considered, even if the project is worth it, but it
shouldn't be a priority. In France, we have started talking with a
conservation group to train them on what you can do with OSM so they can
work with OSM data. The project is likely to be funded by a few of us by
giving time, a bit of money, lending GPS, and managed by the future French
association. We see it as a good way to get people exposed to OSM, and as a
good showcase on how OSM data can be used on a project where no maps exist.


>
> Ok. I haven't thought mapping parties, but something like what I outlined
> above.
> I think there's going to be a place for something like a small grant
> program, somewhere.
> There is not something the community currently does particularly well.
> It definitely needs to be properly administered. What is everyone's
> thoughts on
> this kind of program's appropriateness for OSMF?
>
>
I think that small grants for larger mapping parties could be useful. It is
also a topic we talked about in France about whether it would be nice to
have. Most mapping parties will not need funding, but some people will need
some printed walking papers map, and renting some GPS. It isn't so much
about getting beers paid, but more about what material support you can
provide those larger mapping parties.


>
> I see a pattern emerging. The need isn't for OSMF to do the work itself,
> but organize properly for volunteers to do the work. When OSM was small,
> this could be handled ad-hoc. Now at scale, we need to be more systematic.
>
>
+1


>
> Agreed ... in all of these interactions, they are going to be more
> comfortable
> dealing with OSMF.
>
>
In the eyes of many gouvernmental agencies, NGOs, and companies, it will be
always the foundation that will be the most credible interlocutor.


>
> I don't think it's paying OSM developers, but funding non-profits to do
> work with OSM.
> They will of course need technical help, but the decision should be done on
> merit of the program,
> not on the developer. I would see it as the grantee's responsibility to
> find developer resources.
>

+1
The decision should really be made on the merit of a program and see if it
is actually possible with the ressources they have.

Emilie Laffray
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