We have been given some budget for Maemo Summit 2009merchandise. But, rather than have all sorts of funny toys to receive at the event, it might be cooler to save most of the money for participant sponsorship and cool Summit events.
Last year, we had shirts and stickers (three sizes). Previously, we began to discuss USB Sticks (among other things). And, I know that GeneralAntillesreallywants a baseball cap. (Which, I personally think is a really good idea -- see below.)
I propose that we stick to the bare necessities (again) this year and limit our choices to shirts, stickers, and -- if it's cost effective -- baseball caps. If you have major objectives (or, really, really, wanted that Maemo-branded USB Stick or tote bag), you can voice them here, but think about what you'd rather have: sponsorship or something that says "Maemo" on it.
But, wait... First things first...
***We need to decide what goes on the stuff.***
There may be enough money to do a two-sided shirt, so keep that in mind. The three differently sized stickers were pretty cool last year (you can see one of them on my MacBook here -- and I think it was lcuk who was with me when we got the little stickers and put them on our N810s, although I could be wrong).
Anyway...
We have a few "cool" designs already (if you know of more, please let me know).
We could choose from these three (and then hone the one that was chosen to be exactly what we need), or you can submit your own idea. In fact, your idea could even just be a written description:
Originally Posted by example description
Black t-shirt with a small maemo.org logo on the front left breast and large "Maemo Summit 2009" text on the back.
Yes, we even need to specify colors (white is always cheaper) and we should think about amount of colors to print too (less is always cheaper).
So, let's (quickly, like in the next week) decide on the two or three items that we'll have at the Summit and come up with a single good design for what we want printed on the items.
Well, this would require a bit more infrastructure (and someone to manage money at the event), so I don't think it is feasible for an open situation like this. But, there has been some talk of opening some sort of maemo.org-specific store (on CafePress or something), where people can purchase things like this. Of course, we'd have to finalize designs used there, etc., but it would be a lot easier.
...why don't we sell these gadget at a cheap price instead of giving them for free?
There's still an up-front expense, so if Nokia isn't willing to "loan" the Maemo folks additional money, selling widgets is of no help. Beyond that, there's the issue of unsold merchandise, which equals unrecovered costs.
Additionally, it may be far more trouble than it's worth for the Maemo folks to set up some system of accepting money for small purchases at the summit. Nokia's accountants may not want to be troubled with the strange, small bit of money that would be coming back in. Nokia would need to send additional staff to cover the difference between free swag on a table and a sales counter. Heck, European consumer protection laws might even be a barrier if they'd force Nokia to ship a replacement Maemo LED flashlight to New Zealand after an attendee's €2 purchase stops working a week after the summit.
The Danish Weekend shirts were a big success with some original and well executed design plus just a bit of good quality in the clothes. Worth the investment and dedication.
The Danish Weekend shirts were a big success with some original and well executed design plus just a bit of good quality in the clothes. Worth the investment and dedication.
Quim, are there any bettrer photos of the shirt than this?
I'd love for people to see how the design actually fits on the shirt.
(Which, I personally think is a really good idea -- see below.)
