Comments on: 2009: Quite A Year http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/ Linux News, Reviews, Tips and Rambling :) Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:42:08 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Dan http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3382 Dan Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:17:34 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3382 @lostnbronx - :D excellent reply, nice work sir! @lostnbronx – :D excellent reply, nice work sir!

]]> By: lostnbronx http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3381 lostnbronx Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:41:08 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3381 Well, I, for one, am shocked, sir -- shocked! What have you done for the little man, hmm? What have you done for the environment? Or world peace? Anything? No, I thought not. Oh, sure, you've entertained, informed, and enlightened many thousands of people in the last year; you've made many great friends; you've helped form and build upon communities and organizations; and you've distributed some damn fine audio content. But the glaring question remains: what have you done for lostnbronx lately? Yes! Don't deny it! Has HE received magic phone boxes of mystery in the mail? Has HE hobnobbed with the luminaries of FOSS? Hardly! And who, exactly is to blame for these oversights...? Well, a tired world turns its eyes toward Liverpool, Dan. Well, I, for one, am shocked, sir — shocked! What have you done for the little man, hmm? What have you done for the environment? Or world peace? Anything? No, I thought not. Oh, sure, you’ve entertained, informed, and enlightened many thousands of people in the last year; you’ve made many great friends; you’ve helped form and build upon communities and organizations; and you’ve distributed some damn fine audio content. But the glaring question remains: what have you done for lostnbronx lately? Yes! Don’t deny it! Has HE received magic phone boxes of mystery in the mail? Has HE hobnobbed with the luminaries of FOSS? Hardly! And who, exactly is to blame for these oversights…? Well, a tired world turns its eyes toward Liverpool, Dan.

]]> By: Dan http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3372 Dan Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:26:39 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3372 @Windigo - It was really amazing that you and Bill travelled to the UK for OggCamp. I was sorry I couldn't spend more time talking with everyone but there was so much to do. Thanks for the kind words. I hope to be able to announce something for this year very soon. I've been working on arrangements since before Christmas, things are afoot :) @Windigo – It was really amazing that you and Bill travelled to the UK for OggCamp. I was sorry I couldn’t spend more time talking with everyone but there was so much to do. Thanks for the kind words. I hope to be able to announce something for this year very soon. I’ve been working on arrangements since before Christmas, things are afoot :)

]]> By: Windigo http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3366 Windigo Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:38:52 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3366 Jezra's right; after all, I don't just fly to England for nothing! You and Fab do a great deal for Free software, and should be proud of what you've built up. Thanks for reminding me what a blast OggCamp was - absolutely the best part of 2009 by a long shot. I'm looking forward to see where you take things in the upcoming year! Jezra’s right; after all, I don’t just fly to England for nothing! You and Fab do a great deal for Free software, and should be proud of what you’ve built up.

Thanks for reminding me what a blast OggCamp was – absolutely the best part of 2009 by a long shot. I’m looking forward to see where you take things in the upcoming year!

]]> By: Dan http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3324 Dan Sat, 02 Jan 2010 01:37:23 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3324 @jezra - Wow l never thought of it like that, it's very satisfying to hear. I'm glad what we do has some effect. We just try to make people laugh first and foremost, everything else is a bonus. The community that's developed is incredible and that's largely down to listeners like yourself who get involved. So thanks to you too ;) @jezra – Wow l never thought of it like that, it’s very satisfying to hear. I’m glad what we do has some effect. We just try to make people laugh first and foremost, everything else is a bonus. The community that’s developed is incredible and that’s largely down to listeners like yourself who get involved. So thanks to you too ;)

]]> By: jezra http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3322 jezra Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:55:38 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3322 Dan, you do yourself a terrible disservice. You and Fab do change peoples lives. In the creation of Linux Outlaws you have created a community that both entertains and informs. If it weren't for Linux Outlaws, I wouldn't know about the SFLC, the graphics of Richard Querin, and I wouldn't have heard Dr. Kulp's rendition of sudo-modprobe. Knowing and seeing makes me a better person and I thank you for that. Similarly, the community that you created allows me to share my knowledge and experiences with others. In this way, you and Fab set in motion ripples that will expand far beyond your original intent. Thank you. Dan, you do yourself a terrible disservice. You and Fab do change peoples lives. In the creation of Linux Outlaws you have created a community that both entertains and informs. If it weren’t for Linux Outlaws, I wouldn’t know about the SFLC, the graphics of Richard Querin, and I wouldn’t have heard Dr. Kulp’s rendition of sudo-modprobe. Knowing and seeing makes me a better person and I thank you for that. Similarly, the community that you created allows me to share my knowledge and experiences with others. In this way, you and Fab set in motion ripples that will expand far beyond your original intent.

Thank you.

]]> By: Dan http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3310 Dan Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:55:01 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3310 @David - Wow that's a complicated question, so here's the complicated answer. Firstly, I do earn money for some of the things I do obviously like selling articles to websites or other publications, but most of the ones here are for pleasure. I'd say it's a mixture really. I also have other things bringing in cash in dribs and drabs. Bits of web development, I have some hosting clients whose websites I look after for a retainer, there's some sound engineering work, ad income and I do odd jobs here and there. Whatever it takes to keep my head above water and give me the time to do other things I enjoy. It's all mixed up and there's no real definitive answer, short of publishing all my personal accounts, which obviously I'm not about to do. I would say this though, it's amazing how often the "free" stuff I do in my spare time leads to better paid jobs and helps to promote me, it builds useful contacts. I don't start projects with that motive in mind but it's certainly a nice result. The second question is a funny one to answer. I would never be so conceited to say I've "changed people's lives". I don't think I'm doing anything that fantastic in comparison to teachers, nurses, firemen, aid workers and real heroes. If what I do improves some things for someone somewhere then I'm glad. Some of the stuff I've done, like helping to fix up the computers at the Liverpool Social Centre has a good effect in that it allows people to access the Internet who just couldn't otherwise. I'm only one small part of the group who did that though and I really can't take the credit. It's a nice feeling to know you did something good and I definitely find that rewarding. I probably could start some kind of non-profit or charity related to Free Software in the way you suggest, but I have no plans to do that right now. It may be work considering in future. I agree that charities and the public sector bodies in the UK should be doing a lot more with Free Software. Saving them money they could be using for good causes instead of paying on license fees. I'll continue to help people I come into contact with in any reasonable way I can, and try to give a little bit back through that. It makes me feel good and if I can keep a roof over my head and food on the table at the same time, that's enough for me. I've never wanted a grand lifestyle. I'm in a fortunate position that I don't have anyone depending on me to survive right now, no family or kids to support and I can live as I chose with only myself to answer to. That might change in the future and I'll have to think more seriously about a steady career, but for now I'm happy living each day to it's fullest and discovering new things around every corner. Hope that answer makes some sense. @David – Wow that’s a complicated question, so here’s the complicated answer. Firstly, I do earn money for some of the things I do obviously like selling articles to websites or other publications, but most of the ones here are for pleasure. I’d say it’s a mixture really. I also have other things bringing in cash in dribs and drabs. Bits of web development, I have some hosting clients whose websites I look after for a retainer, there’s some sound engineering work, ad income and I do odd jobs here and there. Whatever it takes to keep my head above water and give me the time to do other things I enjoy. It’s all mixed up and there’s no real definitive answer, short of publishing all my personal accounts, which obviously I’m not about to do. I would say this though, it’s amazing how often the “free” stuff I do in my spare time leads to better paid jobs and helps to promote me, it builds useful contacts. I don’t start projects with that motive in mind but it’s certainly a nice result.

The second question is a funny one to answer. I would never be so conceited to say I’ve “changed people’s lives”. I don’t think I’m doing anything that fantastic in comparison to teachers, nurses, firemen, aid workers and real heroes. If what I do improves some things for someone somewhere then I’m glad. Some of the stuff I’ve done, like helping to fix up the computers at the Liverpool Social Centre has a good effect in that it allows people to access the Internet who just couldn’t otherwise. I’m only one small part of the group who did that though and I really can’t take the credit. It’s a nice feeling to know you did something good and I definitely find that rewarding. I probably could start some kind of non-profit or charity related to Free Software in the way you suggest, but I have no plans to do that right now. It may be work considering in future. I agree that charities and the public sector bodies in the UK should be doing a lot more with Free Software. Saving them money they could be using for good causes instead of paying on license fees. I’ll continue to help people I come into contact with in any reasonable way I can, and try to give a little bit back through that. It makes me feel good and if I can keep a roof over my head and food on the table at the same time, that’s enough for me. I’ve never wanted a grand lifestyle. I’m in a fortunate position that I don’t have anyone depending on me to survive right now, no family or kids to support and I can live as I chose with only myself to answer to. That might change in the future and I’ll have to think more seriously about a steady career, but for now I’m happy living each day to it’s fullest and discovering new things around every corner. Hope that answer makes some sense.

]]> By: Dan http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3309 Dan Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:32:55 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3309 @fab - Yeah me too, it's been a great experience which I'm hope will keep getting better. It was you who originally proposed the show and asked me to join, so I can't take any credit for that. It's worked out really well :) @fab – Yeah me too, it’s been a great experience which I’m hope will keep getting better. It was you who originally proposed the show and asked me to join, so I can’t take any credit for that. It’s worked out really well :)

]]> By: Fab http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3303 Fab Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:10:55 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3303 Wow... Now that you list all of this, 2009 really was quite amazing! Those stats are mind blowing... Oo Very cool. I am really grateful to have shared some of this with you. I am so glad this whole crazy LO idea has worked out... :D Wow… Now that you list all of this, 2009 really was quite amazing! Those stats are mind blowing… Oo

Very cool. I am really grateful to have shared some of this with you. I am so glad this whole crazy LO idea has worked out… :D

]]> By: David http://danlynch.org/blog/2009/12/quiteayear/comment-page-1/#comment-3292 David Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:04:09 +0000 http://danlynch.org/blog/?p=1556#comment-3292 Great review of your year, Dan, and not too long at all. Congrats on all you've done and achieved :-) I want to know what happened in August, though! A couple of questions spring to mind, slightly rhetorical/personal, so I don't expect you to answer if you prefer not to: - I think you have said or hinted at this before (I know you get paid for some writing, but which?), but do you receive any income from all the work you do or is it all out of love (and voluntary)? Curiosity as much as anything on my part. - What difference have you made? How have you changed people's lives for the better? What evidence do you have? I'm asking this because I get asked this all the time in my work for a charity when trying to get or keep funding. I wonder if you have ever thought about getting funding - either through grants or loans - to develop what you're doing or even to do something with or in "the community" - there are lots of pots of money available to not-for-profit organisations and I strongly feel that FLOSS has a natural synergy with the aims of wider charitable/voluntary sector, i.e., social change that the government and other established bodies either don't see or don't wish to act on. You're experience in the NHS and recent news about it's latest IT system failure will tell you this already, although I'm thinking more about grassroots and community groups. With your love of and skills in music/audio particularly, I'm sure there must be lots of scope for this, especially with "young people". To coin a phrase, "information, advice and guidance" on FLOSS and the its potential benefits to the Third Sector is certainly something I'm interested in. But, of course it goes much deeper than that - what are the political, ethical, social and even moral consequences of people's and organisation's choices? Anyway, here's wishing you all the best for 2010! Great review of your year, Dan, and not too long at all. Congrats on all you’ve done and achieved :-)

I want to know what happened in August, though!

A couple of questions spring to mind, slightly rhetorical/personal, so I don’t expect you to answer if you prefer not to:

- I think you have said or hinted at this before (I know you get paid for some writing, but which?), but do you receive any income from all the work you do or is it all out of love (and voluntary)? Curiosity as much as anything on my part.

- What difference have you made? How have you changed people’s lives for the better? What evidence do you have? I’m asking this because

I get asked this all the time in my work for a charity when trying to get or keep funding. I wonder if you have ever thought about getting funding – either through grants or loans – to develop what you’re doing or even to do something with or in “the community” – there are lots of pots of money available to not-for-profit organisations and I strongly feel that FLOSS has a natural synergy with the aims of wider charitable/voluntary sector, i.e., social change that the government and other established bodies either don’t see or don’t wish to act on. You’re experience in the NHS and recent news about it’s latest IT system failure will tell you this already, although I’m thinking more about grassroots and community groups. With your love of and skills in music/audio particularly, I’m sure there must be lots of scope for this, especially with “young people”.

To coin a phrase, “information, advice and guidance” on FLOSS and the its potential benefits to the Third Sector is certainly something I’m interested in. But, of course it goes much deeper than that – what are the political, ethical, social and even moral consequences of people’s and organisation’s choices?

Anyway, here’s wishing you all the best for 2010!

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