Free Software Beer Network
I've actually had this idea floating around in my head for a while. Recently, I mentioned it on a Debian list, where it was well received. Since I don't think I'll be able to implement it any time soon, let me just throw it out there:
One of the cool things about belonging to a group like Debian or the Apache Software Foundation, or other similar groups is that there are people all over the world that are often willing to meet if you're in their area.
Wouldn't it be cool to have a centralized resource where you could post something like "hey, I'm going to be in Paris/Perth/Padova/Philadelphia/Porto Alegre/Pretoria, anyone want to get together for a beer or whatever people drink there?".
You'd have to balance it some - make it too generic and it loses some of the appeal - part of the appeal about meeting someone from a group you belong to is that you instantly have something to talk about. Extend that too far and it would just be like meeting random people on Facebook.
I don't have the time or inclination to pursue the creation of such a site, but it would be quite simple, I believe.
And of course, if anyone is headed to Innsbruck, I'm always happy to go out for a beer!
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Sounds like a good idea. I'm down for a free software beer network. I think the idea would need to be broad to get get enough momentum.
Anyone headed to LA, i'm down.
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Oops, forgot to leave my info.
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Have you seen Dopplr (http://www.dopplr.com/)? Although not designed (primarily) for beer, it's a great way to hook up with people you know in places you visit.
BR,
Jukka Zitting
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http://etbe.coker.com.au/2007/12/17/debian-developers-meetings/
I think that a wiki is the best way to address this problem.
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Russel, I really mean something more generic than just Debian developers, and something that more people can participate in. I think. It's kind of a vague idea, but it would have to be fairly well subscribed to or it wouldn't work. It would also have to be somewhat limited, or it would just be too inclusive, and it wouldn't work... Like I said, I'll leave the details to someone who wants to figure them out.