Sydney Linux Users Group (SLUG)

SLUG's monthly meeting features several talks of varying length. We're always looking for new talk offers, and talk offers should be sent to activities@slug.org.au, committee@slug.org.au and/or posted on the Wiki.

SLUG talks can be on any topics that would loosely come under the heading of "Open Source Software" or "Free Software". We're open to talks about software, about projects, about features, about tools, and about the Open Source and Free Software movements, and issues surrounding them.

Our membership are primarily hobbyists and professionals, however our meetings are open to the public.

Giving a talk at SLUG would be an excellent way to prepare for more formal speaking situations — conferences for example. Our selection process is very informal — just e-mail the committee, and we'll discuss the type of talk you want to give and where it would fit best in our meeting.

If you're new to public speaking or want some tips, see our guide for speakers.

There are three main types of talks given at meetings:

General talks

General talks are about 30 minutes in length, plus question time. They should be of interest to the majority of attendees, whether they be new or experienced Linux users. Ideal general talks include: cool applications or kernel features that people could go home and play with; insights into the Open Source and Free Software movements including advocacy and participation; major new revisions of important projects with lots of new features to show off. The aim of a general talk should be to get the audience excited about playing with something or doing something with Free Software.

In-depth talks

Attendees will have the choice between the In-depth talk and the SLUGlets, so a more focussed, detailed or technical talk would suit this slot. In-depth talks are also 30 minutes in length. Examples include: talks intended mainly for programmers; talks intended mainly for systems adminstrators; and talks intended mainly for people with a particular interest — audio, video, kernel programming, mission critical systems, etc.

SLUGlets

SLUGlets is a variety show of quick talks and demonstrations. A SLUGlet should suit a general audience, and possibly focus on new Linux users. A SLUGlet would typically be 5 or 10 minutes in length.

We take efforts to film our General and In-Depth talks. We ask that speakers agree to sign a release form enabling us to release the video under a Creative Commons licence. This allows us to aid the wider FOSS community, not just those who attended that particular meeting.