[Fsuk-manchester] Young people & free software

[Tim Dobson]

Recently I have noticed an increasing number of young people using 
GNU/Linux and/or interested in free software.

As we have seen on the Manchester Free Software mailing list[1], and, 
very recently on the Sheflug list[2], young people *want* to get 
involved in free software and using GNU/Linux but often find themselves 
feeling intimidated by the 50+ university guys.
(no offence meant there :] - *I* don't feel intimidated)

In general, people tend to pre-judge you based on age rather than your 
abilities, achievements or what you have to say.
For me, this meant that I am usually extremely unwilling to give the 
impression that I am younger than the average age on a mailing list to 
avoid my posts getting ignored or laughed off.

I believe that teenagers are especially valuable when it comes to free 
software and GNU/Linux and while it would be desirable to draw young 
people into LUG's and FSUG's, this is somewhat difficult simply because 
teenagers (usually) prefer to be in the company of other teenagers and 
many feel somewhat uncomfortable in environments where they are 
outnumbered by those who are much older than them.

What do people think to the formation of a group and mailing list, to 
compliment Manchester Free Software and ManLUG and  http://adfa.co.nr , 
to create a social area for young people (in Manchester/The North West) 
interested in issues surrounding Free Software and GNU/Linux to 
socialise and get help, whilst co-operating with FSUG's and LUG's to 
advocate free software and GNU/Linux, especially in schools.

Tim


[1] http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/fsuk-manchester/2007-11/msg00104.html
[2] http://www.meiring.org.uk/sheflug/mailarchive/2008/05/msg00009.html

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www.tdobson.net
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