This list of frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers helps Fedora Ambassadors answer some of the difficult questions they may face. For general Fedora-related questions, see the top-level FAQ.
Feel free to extend the list of questions, or to improve the existing answers!
I have just joined
Help! I'm confused
- Take small steps.
- Read the mailing lists.
- Join #fedora-ambassadors[?].
- Read the reports, and make new friends within the projects.
- Talk to your mentor, regional leaders, or any FAmSCo member.
- Think ahead and start working on the areas that you think can be improved.
- Join team meetings.
- Remember, it is going to take time to become a pro.
Do we have team meetings? When is the next one?
- The scheduled regional meetings are here. Mail the respective leaders for more details.
- For meetings of FAmSCo, refer to the FAmSCo meetings wiki page for details.
What is FAmSCo?
It isn't anything, anymore. FAmSCo stood for Fedora Ambassadors Steering Committee. It has been replaced by Mindshare.
What behavior is expected of me?
Read more at this page.
I want a general overview of the Fedora Project, where should I go?
Refer to the top-level FAQ.
How do I spread the word about Fedora?
There are a lot of ways to spread the word about Fedora.
- Organize install fests and encourage users to use Fedora and Linux in general.
- Organize workshops. Tell people how Fedora can perform daily work from basic text editing to handling a busy server.
- Collaborate with a local Linux User Group, or start one if your locality doesn't have one.
- If possible, build a local repository and distribute installation media.
These are some of the basic ideas. You are welcome to add to it.
How am I officially recognized?
You may be recognized by your business card, your wiki page, or your FAS account. The Fedora Project generally does not provide any "official" document describing the work you do. However, if you need a document for a special purpose, contact any FAmSCo member.
Where can I get a business card for identification purposes?
To create a Fedora Business card, please follow the information at Ambassadors/BusinessCards. These allow you to be officially recognized.
Do you provide any official participation certificate?
No.
What are the benefits that I am entitled to receive as an Ambassador?
The primary benefit of being an Ambassador is spreading the ethics and joy of free/libre and open source software, and being recognized by your peers as a valuable member of the F/LOSS community. However, for your work as an ambassador, you can ask for anything you may need. The regional leaders will consider your request carefully and give you any assistance they can. Not every request can be granted, but we try to support every Ambassador who is supporting the Fedora Project in good faith.
- You can get funding for organizing events.
- You can get swag produced in your region.
Where can I find my fellow Ambassadors?
You can find fellow ambassadors here, or on #fedora-ambassadors[?].
How do I meet my fellow Ambassadors in person?
Look out for any events in your region. Feel free to contact the organizing team -- they will welcome you. Fedora often provides support for Ambassador travel to key events.
I want to do some programming/artwork/documentation
Your participation in any part of Fedora is welcome! Either mail any FAmSCo member, or visit http://join.fedoraproject.org to find out other places where you can help.
I want to organize or participate in an event
What is a Fedora event?
Fedora events are held all over the world. They are a good way to bring together contributors who do not see each other frequently, gather new contributors, and develop new features and strategies for Fedora. Fedora events can be standalone or held together with other events, such as Linux Tag or FISL. The Fedora Project has been represented by its Ambassadors in major FLOSS events around the world, and Ambassadors also organize and host our own events.
What is a Release Party?
A release party is held by a Fedora user to celebrate the release of the latest version of Fedora.
I heard the terms FAD and FUDCon, what do they mean?
A FAD, or Fedora Activity Day, is a regional event, one day or more in length, that allows Fedora contributors to gather together to work on specific tasks related to the Fedora Project. A FAD is tightly focused on reaching specific goals, as opposed to simply having discussions or teaching users. Visit the FAD wiki page for more information.
FUDCon is the Fedora Users and Developers Conference, a major event that occurs in different regions of the world each year and features a set of technical sessions, hackfests, and other activities. FUDCon is always free and open to everyone to attend and participate. Visit the FUDCon wiki page for more information.
How do I participate in a FAD or FUDCon?
Refer to the FAD or FUDCon page for a current listing, and visit the individual event pages for more information.
Is there any event scheduled in my area? How do I participate?
The Fedora Project has events scheduled all over the world. Visit the list of current events for more information.
Can I get help with organizing an event?
The Event Organizers' Resources page contains a lot of useful information about organizing an event. If you want to give some presentations, visit our page of presentations. You can find some interesting flyers here. If you have any further questions, simply write to the ambassadors mailing list. Often there are other Ambassadors in your area ask them to help you and organize the event together. This way it's more fun and less work. Don't forget to list your event at the Events page.
Do I need to write a report of my event?
Yes! It is highly recommended to write a report of your event, because that helps spread energy and enthusiasm throughout your region and the Fedora Project. It also helps other people find you when they search the Internet for Fedora in their area. You can register your blog on our Planet aggregator, then write your report on your blog and send it to the Ambassadors mailing list.
Where can I find previous presentations?
There is an archive of many previous presentations. If you are looking for presentation templates for OpenOffice.org, you can find them here.
Advice for presenting at events
At an event, you should remember that you represent the Fedora Project, and you should spread our common values and ideas. Do not be rude to or disparage other distributions or contributors, and avoid any combative behavior. You are an Ambassador and should act as one. Keep in mind that we are all part of the same community.
Questions asked at event booths
We maintain a helpful list of questions that are asked at a Fedora booth. It is highly recommended that you also review the general list of frequently asked questions about Fedora before an event.
I need something, whom do I ask?
I need manpower and volunteers for the event. How do I get them?
If you are organizing the event in a college or university, you can get help from campus ambassadors or other technical societies and student chapters. You can also involve local Linux User Groups (LUGs).
Where do I get a CD/DVD, banners, posters and stickers?
Use the tracking system to file a ticket. Please be as precise as you can when asking for gear or money, and justify your requirements. Help your fellow Ambassadors by not asking for more than you really require.
How do I get budget for my event resources?
You can follow this tutorial to make an appropiate budget request.
I want to produce some custom swag
This is highly welcome. Swag must follow Fedora Project's trademark guidelines. Remember to keep all the receipts so you can be reimbursed. More information can be found here.
Where can I get a customs letter for shipping purposes?
Regulations for many countries may limit, prohibit or apply a tax on import or export of software media. A standard letter may be required for the media to qualify under certain statutes. Please check with your local authorities for regulations that may affect you, and see the CustomsLetter page for our standard letter for certain customs agencies.
Are there any official clothes to wear during events?
Some Ambassadors in the EMEA region have created the Fedora Ambassadors Polo Shirt. Although it's not an official uniform, it has distinct visual identification characteristics for visitors and has become very popular among Ambassadors.
North American Ambassadors also offer a Fedora blue polo on the FAMNA Ambassador Gear page. They also created a Button-Up Ambassadors Shirt that can be used at events. As with the polo, it is not an official uniform, but it does identify Fedora Ambassadors out of the crowd.
How do I get reimbursed?
First, it is vital that you keep all receipts for what you have spent. These receipts are required so you can be reimbursed using the FAmSCo issue tracker. More information about the process is found here.
Generic queries
I am unfamiliar with the wiki
Refer to our helpful getting started page to learn how to get access to, and edit, this wiki.
I am having problems with some fellow ambassadors, what do I do?
Please talk to your mentor or a FAmSCo member. We have a dispute resolution policy and will work with all the involved parties to resolve the issue.
I am interested in taking my contribution to the next level
You can start contributing to another Fedora team such as documentation, localization/internationalization, design, packaging, etc. If you feel that your leadership inside Ambassadors is recognized you may consider running for the Fedora Ambassadors Steering Committee.
I would like to leave the Ambassadors project, what should I do?
Follow the Leaving Ambassadors SOP.
My question is not listed here. Who should I ask?
You can ask a FAmSCo member or your mentor. If you don't have a mentor yet please choose one here.