Interview with Anne Østergaard

For a little background, can you describe the general topic of your presentation and tell us what is new in the last few months?

Community building and organization is a hot topic.

I will point out new ways on how we can strengthen and advance our collaboration, but also how we can attract and keep talents on board.
 
Can you give a summary of what you will present?  Why should someone choose to come to your presentation?
I will explain how the FLOSS communities should be careful how we run our internal organization. Agressiv, egoistic, and anarchistic behavior may become very detrimental to the success of the project simply because people don't want to stay, and will move elsewhere if they feel bullied.
 
How did you get involved in Free Software and in what way is it important to you?

I first learned about Free Software in early 1998.

I know how important freedom rights are for our democracy in the civil society.
Freedom of speech and freedom of choice are fundamental rights that effects society at large and therefore our daily lives.  We need to keep this in mind also when talking about software.

That is the reason why I have been active doing advocacy for Free Software- mainly to avoid software patents being legalized in Europe.

Now I am getting more and more involved in a lot of other important questions: Standardization, DRM, software in education, and in the health care sector.

I find software freedom, privacy on the internet, accessibility, and sustainability really worth fighting for. For the sake of current and future generations.
 
Is there any other particular presentation you'll be going to? Why is that topic of interest?
Honestly I would like to attend all the presentations. I have been fortunate enough to be on the organizing committee, so I have had the pleasure to suggest presentations that I hope you will find equally exciting.