[freegeek-startup] Introduction - intentions of a new free geek startup

[That Man Behind the Curtain]

Shawn Campbell wrote:
> It is my intention to (hopefully) get approved for a full free geek
> franchise, and I understand that we need to start out as an affiliate. I
> know that myself and other associates will be able to accomplish many of
> free geeks goals in a short period of time in our community. We have
> already begun filing the paperwork for  state acceptance and will be
> working on our 501(c)(3) within the next two months.

Hi Shawn. Richard here at the Mothership in Portland.

You don't need to start life as a Free Geek as an affiliate. The
affiliate status is (presently) for organizations that do similar work
to Free Geek but don't have a non-heirarchically run nonprofit -- rather
a more traditional business model of some sort. We may muck around with
exactly what an affiliate is soonish as it's all new. Whatever, an
affiliate cannot use the Free Geek name as part of their own name.

When a group successfully applies for regular (organizational, not
affiliate) status, we grant them preliminary status, allowing them to
use the Free Geek name in their own while they get set up. Final,
permanent, ongoing status would be the next step and be based on
development of a proper business plan, etc.


> With all of this said, I do only have one question that I could not find
> a solid answer to. It is stated that Free Geeks are to use open source
> whenever possible, but what about the users that do not want a Linux
> based system? Even though I do not like or believe in Microsoft, it can
> still help us get recycled equipment into users hands and still keep it
> out of the landfills. Microsoft has a program (MAR) that sells very
> cheap legit license's for Windows 98 and Windows 2000. Is this against
> the Free Geek principles and will it disqualify us if that is what the
> users want?

As others chimed in, we only put Linux on the systems we distribute. If
someone wants Windows they can install it. We are unable to do
everything, and one of the things we can't do is support multiple
operating systems, so if they install Windows, fine. We just can't help
them support it is all.

One idea I've heard floated recently is that maybe the principle that
ties us to Free and Open Source Software could be loosened up for
affiliates. That is, if some group does what we do, but puts Windows on
their systems rather than Linux, we might allow them affiliate status.
Not at all decided yet, not even discussed much, but we're starting to
think about it.

-- 
Richard Seymour
That Man Behind the Curtain