A Layperson's Guide for Talking about Free Software Law

Presented by Rikki Endsley
Tuesday 4:50 p.m.–5:15 p.m.
Target audience: Community

Abstract

Whether you're a layperson talking about free software law, or a lawyer speaking to a layperson, how you deliver your message determines how well your audience understands it. In this talk we'll look at common mistakes laypeople make when interpreting legal issues, and tips for legal experts for condensing and explaining complicated topics to the layperson. We'll also take a quick look at hot free software law and policy topics, the kinds of people writing about them (e.g., lawyers vs. programmers), and what's missing (i.e., the topics community members want to learn more about).

Presented by

Rikki Endsley

Rikki Endsley is a community manager and editor for Opensource.com, and a 2016 recipient of an O’Reilly Open Source Award. In the past, she worked as a community evangelist on the Open Source and Standards team at Red Hat; freelance tech journalist; community manager for the USENIX Association; associate publisher of Linux Pro Magazine, ADMIN, and Ubuntu User; and as the managing editor of Sys Admin magazine and UnixReview.com. Follow her on Twitter: @rikkiends.

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