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[Stian Rødven Eide <stian AT fripost.org>]

We had a new discussion on the conference theme at last meeting.

One idea was to have "The Semantics of Freedom" (although worded
differently), which I think is a theme that reflects the diversity and
tolerance that FSCONS stands for.

Semantics of Freedom was initially a track idea I had for a previous
year. The thought was then to have a discussion on what Freedom is; in
essence, to ask ourselves what we really are working for - what are our
goals and dreams? This reason I wanted to have this discussion is partly
due to FSCONS being a very diverse conference, a meeting ground for many
different people from different organisations and backgrounds. I think
it would be very interesting to gain a larger degree of insight into
this diversity and hope that such a theme would contribute to that.

Some concerns were also raised during the meeting that opening up to
such a discussion might result in a flamewar (akin to the everlasting
"which-license-is-freer"-discussion). I believe it's a legit concern,
but at the same time regard FSCONS as a place where such a discussion is
likely to be conducted in a civilised and fruitful manner.

Of course, naming the theme "Semantics of Freedom" would in any case be
too, well, semantic, so we need to reword it if we are going to use it.
Some suggestions are:
* The variety/diversity of Freedom
* The ways of/paths to Freedom
* The meaning of Freedom

Also, to clarify: The theme is not a hard constraint on any other aspect
of the conference, but rather like a guideline showing our path and
progression.
* We would use it as a slogan, on the website, programme, and
promotional items
* We should print a description and motivation for the theme in the
proramme leaflet so that people know what we mean by it
* We should tell the keynote speakers about the theme, so that they can,
if they wish, use it as a guideline for their own talks.
* We could have, as suggested, a speakers' corner where people can
express their thoughts on the subject.

So, what do you all think about this suggestion? How would you formulate
this theme?
>From previous discussions, "crowd"-something also seemed to be a well
received theme proposal. Any ideas on what we could do with that otherwise?

/Stian