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[timcel]

Want to evangelize the OLPC XO computer and mission in the Seattle area? This is the place to discuss it.

[graesack]

Just came in under the deadline to order G1G1. Took my PayPal and now waiting for confirmation from OLPC. So, very new.

Strikes me, service organizations like Rotary International would be good places to spread the word. My Rotary club is always on the lookout for programs during the meeting. Good oportunity. Lacey Rotary supports students in Mexico, funds well drilling in Malawi, Africa as well as a bunch of other "good works". Rotary might be fertile ground.

Second, there ought to be a way to make contact with some of the students who got XOs. But, I haven't seen anything on this.

More when mine arrives.

[olpc_franco]

You wrote: "Second, there ought to be a way to make contact with some of the students who got XOs. "

Why, exactly, do you want to do this?

[graesack]

I belong to Rotary. Our local club is involved with students in Mexico and regularly hosts exchange students. I'm involved with my school district reading programs. My thought was that we, XOers, might have something to offer as cross-cultural contacts. For example, both sides could improve language skills. I recognize there are those who are suspicious of all adult/child contacts, but the Rotary experience has been harmless.

I'll just wait and see what, if anything, develops.

[rafial]

So one way to help evangelize the project is simply to be well prepared to answer questions both about the laptop and the project.  My XO has been sitting on my desk at work today, and in addition to the standard question of "Where is the crank?", I've also heard:

- "They are in real trouble! They've sold out to Microsoft"

(Answer: no, MS has stated an intention to make Windows XP available on the XO.  This is an MS project, although the OLPC folks are being friendly and providing technical assistance)

- "Intel shut the project down!"

(Answer: no, Intel was a partner to the OLPC Foundation for awhile, and was essentially asked to leave.  This has had no impact on the foundation)

It's clear that people are interested by the project, but know little about it other than half-heard rumors from the press.  By making the laptop a conversation piece just by having one around, we can raise awareness.

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