James Purser [INSERT WITTY CATCHPHRASE HERE]

If you hadn't noticed already, the elections for the 2010 Linux Australia Council have been open for a little while. You may also notice that I've been nominated for the role of Vice President (well got one nomination so far, just need another one :)).

I've decided to return to the arena for a couple of reasons:

Firstly the time off over the last couple of years has allowed me to rebuild the passion that I once had for topics FOSSy. After two years on the then Committee I needed a break to concentrate on getting my head on straight on building up my business.

Secondly I think Linux Australia has sort of lost its way. We seem to have lost that passion and drive that put us in the middle of the issues such as the copyright fight. Now we face a whole new raft of challenges and opportunities, and we need to be able to get up there and reclaim the right to represent our community.

So what would I like to see happen in 2010?

• FOSSGov Working Group: In talking with people in the Government sector I know there is an undercurrent of support for Free and Open Source Software that while may not be reflected in current purchasing practices, can certainly be built on. I would love to see a working group that involves people from all levels of Government and that provides assistance to those Government people in sorting the wheat from the chaff when it comes to FOSS.
• Grants Scheme: We need to revive the interest in the Grants scheme. It was/is a great programme that has done good things in the past and can do in the future.
• More Engagement: Basically we as an organisation need to re-engage with the rest of the world. With organisations like Google releasing some really interesting projects as Open Source (Chrome The Browser, Chromium The OS, Wave, etc, etc), the opportunity is there for Linux Australia to highlight other projects that are also FOSS.

That's some of why I'm going to be running this year.

Thoughts, ideas, criticisms welcome.