[freegeek-startup] Questions regarding TN startup

[Scott Merrill]

Shawn Campbell wrote:
> Well, we have finally made some great progress in the TN start-up,
> however a question has arisen that I please need some clarification to.
> We have voted on a new name, it has free geek in it, and we will still
> be following FOSS guidelines, but can we still use free geek in the name
> such as this:
> 
> Computer FreeCycle – Educating The Community. A FreeGeek Organization

Are you folks aware of the "FreeCycle" movement?
   http://freecycle.org/
You might want to contact them, if you haven't, to make sure you're not
runnning afoul of any trademarks they have.  Your chosen name is a more
specific version of their name.  I know that folks do dispose of PCs via
FreeCycle, so there does exist a real possibility of confusion.

There already exists FreeCycle groups in TN:
   http://freecycle.org/display.php?region=US%20Southern#Tennessee

 > For example: We would be the first TN start-up and then assist in
> helping start and promote other free geek organizations in the state
> (Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Tri-Cities, etc.) This covers most of
> the major metropolitian areas in our state and key rural areas as well.

You've developed a pretty grand plan; but I'm curious what your Board's
justification is for basically recreating the structure already being
created by FG/PDX?

> There were a few reason the people elected to the board were concerened
> with putting the free geek up front, as well as using the state name
> "limiting" us to other possible opportunities.

Well, if it helps at all, I can tell you that so far in Columbus, OH,
the name "FreeGeek" has been pretty popular.  It's easy to remember, and
 the folks from the community with which we interact seem to enjoy it.
It's not seen as disparaging or self-deprecating at all.

Good luck!

-- 
skippy at skippy.net | http://skippy.net/

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