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Writing Materials Wanted:

Hi! We need volunteers who can write and can create some of the following materials. Some of it already exists on the net; where so, let's collect links and I'll contact the authors to see about reusing/reformatting it, with credit.

Although listed together, you don't have to sign up for both the flyer and whitepaper. Once the whitepaper is written, often a flyer isn't too hard to create. Or, if you're a graphic designer expert, team with a writer and do the flyer.

To achieve a precise layout, flyers should be written using Openoffice.org (preferred) or MS Office, and in both U.S. Letter and European A4 paper sizes. Try to use colors that will work with black and white printers.

To get page-level formatting features and fit into the business community, whitepapers should be written using Openoffice.org (preferred) or MS Office. They will be made available in both paper sizes, so try to avoid building assumptions into your content on page break placement.

We'd like to start each whitepaper with a standard office template, but that has not yet been developed yet. If you have one you're proud of, please step forward.

For web content, use of reStructuredText is preferred, to simplify reuse of the content in different formats. And there is an online parser so you don't even have to download or run anything -- just edit plain text using your favorite editor.

We would like all content to be licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) or another free license.

In general, the style of writing should be informal, like you would find in an issue of Linux Journal or Dr. Dobbs magazine. Refer to yourself as "we", as you are representing the Python community and other authors may follow you to revise your document. Refer to the reader as "you".

For those who would prefer writing magazine articles, we also have an ArticleIdeas list.

Want to know what is being done with these materials? Check out the advocacy kits into which they are being assembled!

Documents To Be Written

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Title: What is Python?
Media: a 2-sided flyer
Assigned-To: (no one; teaming is possible) (date assigned)

For handing out at mixed-topic conferences and user group meetings, where contact with curious people can be made, to make them aware that Python even exists. In this environment we can't be sure of their background but if they are interested in a programming language, we can assume either a basic programming background or team/managerial responsibility.

Include names/logos of your more mainstream companies that are using Python, but probably omit the more obscure ones.

RichardJones: I hobbled together a single-page flyer (original Python-Flyer.odt)

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Title: Using Python to improve Java
Media: a 2-sided flyer + whitepaper
Assigned-To: (no one; teaming is possible) (date assigned)

For handing out at Java events - it should bring to their attention the existence of Jython, the synergies co-existence makes possible, and the interactivity of Jython compared to Java. But do not bash Java - the idea is to get people to add Python to their toolbelt. Do mention the fact that Sun has hired an open source developer who is helping with languages other than Java, such as JRuby and Jython.

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Title: Python for C/C++ Programmers

Media: a 2-sided flyer + whitepaper
Assigned-To: Joshua Simpson <std3rr AT gmail DOT com> (2006-12-21)

This can show how Python can be used with C/C++ as a way to add scripting to a larger application, or as a way to build on top of existing C/C++ code more quickly and easily than writing more C/C++. It should highlight the ease with which C/C++ code can be wrapped (with SWIG, SIP and Boost) and how easily C/C++ code can call back into Python (it's a 2-way integration). Much of this content exists in the documentation, but it's not formatted for advocacy or for easy distribution at events.

Maybe look at AppsWithPythonScripting for inspiration.

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Title: IronPython (Python.NET)

Media: a 2-sided flyer + whitepaper
Assigned-To: (no one; teaming is possible) (date assigned)

For handing out at .NET events - it should bring to their attention the existence of IronPython, the co-existence synergies possible, and the interactivity of IronPython compared to C#. But do not bash .NET - the idea is to get people to add Python to their toolbelt. Do mention the fact that Microsoft is funding the IronPython development.

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Title: How to Start and Run a Successful Python User Group
Media: a small whitepaper, reStructuredText format
Assigned-To: Jeff Rush <jeff AT taupro DOT com> (2006-12-13)

For putting up on the web - it should discuss the resources available to user groups, such as mailing lists hosts, free wikis and blogs. Mention that user groups can be listed on www.python.org, with python.meetup.com and also Craig's list. Discuss how to reach out and find people, advise patience for growth, and suggest various group activities. When you can't find a speaker, suggest other activities that can be done on a spur of the moment.

Some Source Material:

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Title: Python: Your Competitive Advantage
Media: a 2-sided flyer + whitepaper
Assigned-To: (no one; teaming is possible) (date assigned)

For handing out at business functions, where entrepreneurs are present. It should focus on the benefits of Python as regards agility in responding to market needs, the rapid ability to develop something right the first time. Mention Eric Raymond, et. al. in how they were surprised Python was so productive. Provide a brief list of companies using Python, and also a list of the domain areas in which it is used. We also have audio of a lightning talk by a VC, and a talk at PyCon this year about someone who got $5 million in capital for a Python program.

Reddit was written in Lisp, then re-written in Python due to performance and library issues. It subsequently was bought by Conde Nast.

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Title: There is more to life; there is Python
Media: a 1-sided flyer + small whitepaper
Assigned-To: (no one; teaming is possible) (date assigned)

A single-sided flyer, for posting on campus bulletin boards, to spread the word about Python. It should cover the highlights of what Python is, and leave a large box for someone to insert directions to a Python Users Group meeting on campus. If not for a user group, it should pre-fill that space with links to visit for more self-guided information.

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Title: Have Fun Programming (Again!)