Jeremy C. Reed wrote:

>What about commercial events (covering open source topics)?
>  
>
Whoo, there's a loaded question for which we (PLUG) don't have a clearly 
defined, formal answer.  I will see if I can write up my thoughts from 
what has been discussed to date.

This is more of a set of guidlines that are applied on a case by case 
basis.  In the following discussion, the term "post" or "posting" refers 
to contributions to the web site as news stories or articles and 
calendar events.  These postings imply endorsement by PLUG simply by the 
context in which they are presented on the site.  ie. a news item on the 
main page has the context of an official PLUG announcement and an event 
on the calendar can have the feel of an "official" group event.  Linux, 
Free Software and Open Source Software will be hereafter referred to as 
"Goodware."  ;^)

1 - The posting must have some direct connection to Goodware.  News 
about a ham radio fest is not acceptable.  News about using ham radio to 
transmit IP packets from a Linux box is acceptable.  This one bends alot 
on the email list and with live announcements at meetings.  That is fine 
for those venues.  The web site, however, is the "official" face of the 
group to the world and should have a narrower focus that is directly 
connected to the group.

2 - We don't want the web site to become an advertising venue for 
commercial interests.  This is not to say that PLUG discourages 
commercial enterprise.  The main purpose of the posting should be to 
further the causes of Goodware.  If secondarily that helps a commercial 
entity, fine.  For example:  "Joe's Computer Shop is having a sale on 
Athalon based systems..." is not acceptable.  "Joe's Computer Shop is 
having a Goodware class using their new Athalon based systems..." is 
acceptable.  Even if there is a fee for the service or event that is 
acceptable, as long as the fee furthers the cause of Goodware.

3 - Postings about PHP or ASULUG or other Goodware group meetings are 
acceptable.

4 - Postings about non-profit organizations and their use of Goodware 
related technology are acceptable.  For example, AZOTO events or 
projects and AzSTRUT events are good.

5 - Politics that directly relates to Goodware, such as the DMCA, is 
acceptable.  Any other political discussion, like renaming mountains, is 
not.

6 - Postings outside of the above can be submitted to the appropriate 
"PLUG Links" section.  For example, for profit events like Joe's 
Computer Shop having a sale can be submitted under the "Resources" 
section of the links.

Shoot holes or add to this where you feel I am wrong.  I have probably 
left something out.  BTW, this is my personal understanding of PLUG web 
site content guidlines and does not nesessarily represent the views of 
the Steering Committee as a whole, since they have not reviewed this 
prior to my public posting.

The bottom line is: if you have something you think would fit for the 
web site news or calendar, submit it.  We'll post it or let you know why 
not.

Alan