[LGM] media planning

[Femke Snelting]

Hey Alexandre

> So, media planning.
> The basic algo is fairly primitive:
>
> 1. Contact major online media that cover free software.
> 2. Talk to them about conditions on which they would be willing to
> promote the conference.
> 3. Figure out what you can realistically do and what you can't do.
> 4. Make agreements.
> 5. Keep them :)
>
> I think Nathan has worked with pretty much every online media that
> covers Linux with maybe just a few exceptions (I'm thinking OMG!Ubuntu
> :)). So maybe he could help a bit there?
>
> Realistically media don't want publishing press-releases (the age of
> press-releases is pretty much over, too). They need compelling content
> and activities: insightful exclusive interviews with developers,
> analytics, reviews, reports from hackathons etc. Whatever gets their
> readers interested.
>
> And since bumps in visitors activity never last more than a few days,
> you need to keep feeding them.
>
> We have, what, 16 weeks till Day Zero, or something? There is still
> time to do things properly :)

Can you help me understand what we expect from this coverage?
For audience, I think we can already expect quite a lot of people to turn up; I guess for sponsoring and community funding the relative visibility of the event matters?

> Here's an example. LGM covers the topic of open culture, right? Get
> Lessig to the conference, book a time for his talk far in advance so
> that he's made his plans. Then make an interview with him and give it
> to some media (they _all_ will be interested). His main ROI is freedom
> of content? So change it to freedom of content authoring tools, and
> while at that talk about freedom on content delivery platforms such as
> the modern mobile. Well, folks, you know your job :)

LGM never had 'keynotes' (no budget, no editorial team). I think that is important to insist on communicating that the event is not a conference, but a true meeting.
But: from LGRU budget/team we're working on some special guests that might do the trick. More news as soon as I have it, hoping by end of next week.

> Or make a special project with webupd8.org or omgubuntu.co.uk like a
> weekly video review of free software for graphic design and
> photography, co-branded with the website and LGM.

Medialab Prado is currently working with Berlin-based designers Lafkon on an interactive/generative campaign under the header 'Future Tools'; they needed something to promote both LGM and the Interactivos workshop, and this seems to work well. Things start to look exciting already; it can be something to generate interest under design-savvy developer/creative audiences. (early january)

In my words (excuse my enthusiasm :-)), LGM in general and this edition in particular is special because:

- LGM is the one and only international event that brings all projects for the creative desktop together
- An event that takes the exchange between users and developers very serious
- A true meeting that is a welcome occasion for teams to work together, set goals, develop new projects, get inspired
- An international yearly event that has been organised by volonteers since 2006
- A place where Free, Libre and Open Source software can excezll as an innovative, creative and future-forward force
- A showcase of cutting edge work that spans the whole Libre Graphics ecosystem: from tool to open standard, from font to desktop environment, from free culture to design excellence
- Organised in close collaboration with the internationally renowned Medialab Prado
- Well-established relationships with local and international art- and design schools, agencies, cultural organisations
- This LGM is for the first time connecting to the vibrant Spanish speaking developers community, including Argentina, Chile, Mexico, ...
- ...

> Get any of the folks who run successful Blender-related blogs to
> feature LGM every once in a while (but before that, make sure Blender
> Foundation, Luxrender and Yafaray folks turn up at the conference).

Yes. Let's start inviting specific teams now, and keep this list posted as far as people don't want to sign up already.
http://libregraphicsmeeting.org/2013/?page_id=197
As soon as the website is translated in Spanish, it will also pull in new crowds as well (mlprado is well-networked to latin america)

> What I can realistically do:
>
> - Help with the media plan (talking to media and planning)
> - Do some of the content
> - Publish some of the content at LGW

yeah!

> What I can't do:
>
> - Manage the media plan

ok, what does that mean?

And will you start the pledgie campaign? Would be best, but if this falls off your list, I can do it.

>sigh< glad to have you on board Alexandre,


Femke