[KLUG Members] Meeting 2005-12-13 - Southwest Michigan Information Technology Initiative

[Rusty Yonkers]

hey, I don't think I can make it to the meeting (live north of GR -
sucks for getting to the group meetings) but this message made me
think about something I would like to get rolling that is along the
same vain.  I would like to start a ballot inititive in Michigan that
would, if passed, require the state government and all that deal with
same to use open document format for all data files created for word
processing, spreadsheets, and presentation programs.  This is similar
to a battle that is going on in Mass.   I am fully convinced that
this is the best way to get open source and closed source to be able
to battle on even footing.  If people can get a number of governments
and other public institutions to implement the same it would open the
floodgates.

Currently it is very difficult to compete because of the data file
format.  Even with programs like OpenOffice.org being able to work
with M$ documents it is a major uphill battle.  If large
organizations like the state government are required to use open
standards like the open document format then M$ would have to support
that format fully.  Once that happens then all the programs will be
evaluated on their technical merits and not simply because "it is
Microsoft and that is what everyone uses".  

I am trying to find the information on the web (knew where it was at
one time) for starting a ballot proposal.  Also if anyone knows of a
lawyer or law student that could help with the verbage of the
proposal for free that would be great.  Then it will be about
rallying troops to start the needed petition drive to get the
proposal on the ballot.  

I am also thinking that if things start rolling then we might be able
to get people like Sun or Novell to help underwrite costs for
printing and such for materials to get this done.  Let's use M$
tactics of taking a small chunk at a time and taking control of it
and start a grassroots effort.  

--- listserv at kalamazoolinux.org wrote:

> The SWMITI has been established to foster acceptance of open source
> software, particularly the Linuxâ„¢ operating system, in education,
> not-for-profit, business, and government organizations in the
> Southwest
> Michigan area. It is the hope of this initiative that we will
> become the
> place for educators, businesses, and entities that seek
> information,
> education, and collaboration with others that have a desire to
> increase
> the productivity and security of their computing environment. The
> mission of SWMITI is to stimulate economic development through
> learning,
> collaboration, and implementation of open source projects. 
> 
> Our presenter:
> 
> Todd Pillars, founder of Terrabytes Data Storage Solutions and
> Modublox
> Computer Equipment, has over 8 years of experience in Information
> Technology as both CIO and CTO. His focus has been mainly in Linux
> Reseach and Development, exploring a variety of open source
> software
> projects and verifying OS hardware compatibility. Current projects
> include organizing a laboratory setting for Educators, SMB's, and
> NFP's
> to assess Linux deployment. Todd is a native of S.W. Michigan and
> makes
> his home in Kalamazoo. 
> 
> -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
>     - 
> 
> Coming to three meetings qualifies you as a full member of KLUG, 
> meaning that you can participate in the process of making formal 
> decisions, including voting for officers.
> 
> -	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
> 
> The meeting is 7:00 PM THIS TUESDAY at:
> The Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce in beautiful downtown Kalamazoo.
> Maps, directions and more info can be found on the KLUG web site:
> 
>     http://www.kalamazoolinux.org/
> 
> Everyone is welcome, and there is no cost to attend!
> 
> -	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
> _______________________________________________
> Members mailing list
> Members at kalamazoolinux.org
> 
> 


Russell C. Yonkers Jr. 
CNE, MCSA, A+, CCNA, Linux+, Server+, Network+ certified
-----------------------------------------
Currently using SuSE 9, Mac OS X, Windows 2000, and WinXP 
And yes I run a network at home with Linux and Windows servers
See my personal blog at http://therustycook.blogspot.com/
Or my tech blog at http://atomicsupergeek.blogspot.com/

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