Open Stack

On Fri, 2015-03-20 at 18:23 +0800, Co, Dean Marc wrote:
> On sponsors relationships, while I truly agree that a blurry line
> should separate it to keep things vibrant and un-"bullied" by big
> names, it is a can't-live-with-them and can't-live-without-them
> situation.
 
I'm not sure this statement is true in general and it's valid only in
some cases. I know plenty of tech user groups surviving and thriving
without sponsors. Sponsors are useful, for sure, but groups of people
with a shared interest can do well also without them.

> In our case, Philippines (although we are lately more active in ASEAN
> (HK/SG)), from 4+ years ago till now, there has been zero (0)
> corporate sponsorship/support from either technology vendor and/or
> enterprise.

Probably because the managers of these companies are thinking in terms
of 'win-lose' competition, which is a damaging approach to what
OpenStack represents. Collaboration can only happen if people think in
'win-win' terms, where enabling a competitor will create a bigger
opportunity for all.

> They will both drive their primacy and exclusivity over everyone else
> (especially industry competitor) or they give nothing. 

This sounds bad. Have you considered not to try to recruit sponsors if
that's the environment? From what you describe, I'm concerned that if
you manage to convince one company to sponsor the OpenStack group in
Philippines, you're going to import also their win-lose attitude, their
intention to 'destroy'(figuratively, of course) the competitor. And one
sponsor might alienate all the others. Better stay away.

> A clear business case and market/brand strategy was constantly
> requested from us. While there was value in providing these, and we
> ourselves having some directions on promoting the community, it
> becomes a deadlock after some time; or everyone just does their own
> thing or nothing.

But a user group is not a brand and definitely doesn't have a
'business'. I have the impression that something is off.

> We once tried to initiate a free half-day seminar, for developers, to
> introduce OpenStack Community Version as well as guidance on then
> challenging installation steps. The reception had been a bit cold
> (which hotel is it held? is the food good? are there any swags and
> souvenirs? any celebrity). Pizzas and drinks for half a day in a cafe
> for a free seminar/meetup did not work for us.

The thing is that you shouldn't need a hotel or good food to attract
your audience. If the content offered is not enough by itself, then I'd
suggest to work on that first. Why are people in your region not
interested in joining a free half-day seminar about OpenStack? 

/stef