Coffs Ex-Services Computer Club

Just found out that what I had previously known as "the Peach Project" has been released as "Big Buck Bunny". This is the second "open movie" project  designed to showcase and help develop the features of the Blender "3D content creation suite" (the first being the less funny and furry, and more arty, "Elephants Dream"). I haven't seen it yet, but will endevour to download a copy in time for the meeting (It's only ten minutes long).

The latest version of Blender, released a few weeks ago, boasts many new features developed as part of the Big Buck Bunny process. Sadly, I don't have what it takes to demonstrate Blender; it's professional-quality 3D software and just too huge and overwhelming for me. For those brave enough to give it a go, the Big Buck Bunny DVD includes all of the Blender files used to create the movie, so you can create your own movie using the same characters!

Team registration for Software Freedom Day 2008 is open. Personally I found last year's event a bit underwhelming (I have nobody to blame but myself for this), and was considering eschewing the day-long event this year for a couple of market stalls and a few talks at Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, and the like. However everyone I mention this idea to is appalled, and very keen to have another event as per the last few years.

So we should have a bit of a chat about what the Computer Club members think about this, and what the Computer Club's  contribution to SFD 2008 might be. Given that we have been told we cannot take our computers off-premises for events like Software Freedom Day, and the Ex-Services Club is not an adequate venue for such an event, as it now has only partial web access, this may not be such an impressive contribution as in past years. If we do decide to go with an all-day event this year, I would very much like somebody other than myself to act as "team contact". I am  as happy as ever to contribute as much as possible, but I think it would be good to get some new talent on the organisational side, as I'm afraid I've hit the limit of my potential in this area.

As ever, there will be plenty of time for questions, and rambling discussions on anything and everything tech-related this meeting.