Re: Debian Install workshop in Brest
> I really like the intent of this initiative. I do feel conflicted though,
> on the basis that Microsoft is a sponsor of DebConf25.
Hmmm, I wasn't aware that Microsoft is sponsoring DebConf.
> To explain: I feel that there could be some moral hazard. Enabling people
> to continue to use existing hardware is great -- my understanding is that
> it's often the best way to reduce the carbon cost of that hardware -- the
> question in my mind is whether Microsoft's sponsorship of Debconf implies
> any awareness, principles and commitments in that direction, or whether
> it's unrelated.
I'm not quite sure where you see the moral hazard. I personally am in no
way affiliated with Microsoft, if that's what you're asking.
The two complications I _potentially_ see with the Microsoft DebConf
sponsorship with respect to the Debian install workshop idea are:
- Microsoft might not appreciate this undertaking and not sponsor
DebConf the next year around.
- Participants might deem it ironic that Microsoft (very indirectly)
sponsors the replacement of their very own OS.
However, I consider those concerns somewhat far-fetched.
> So, as a potential installfest participant I'd be curious whether Microsoft
> would be: (1) providing hardware for the installations; (2) permitted to
> use their sponsor status to collect information about participant
> involvement (or non-involvement, even) in the installfest; (3) able to
> claim public relations successes as a result of supporting this effort,
> either publicly and/or in conversation with regulators?
(1) most certainly not.
I'd be _very_ surprised if (2) was even remotely possible. There is no
such information sharing described as a sponsor goodie on the [DebConf -
Become a Sponsor][0] page or the [sponsorship brochure][1]. I also feel
this would be very much against Debian culture.
(3) is more tricky to answer as it depends on Microsoft's behavior but I
seriously doubt that Microsoft would make the argument to the public or
regulators that they support sustainability initiatives by means of
sponsoring DebConf.
[0]: https://debconf25.debconf.org/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/
[1]: https://media.debconf.org/dc25/fundraising/debconf25_sponsorship_brochure_en.pdf
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