[giftfile-dev] hands-on session

[John Belmonte]

Recently I filled in a large part of the missing functionality of the 
giftfile system reference software: real giftfile certificates are now 
supported.  I think we've got enough working at this point to start 
encouraging people to tinker with the system.  With this in mind, and 
assuming there is some interest, I intend to host a simple hands-on 
tutorial session on IRC.

What I'd like to cover with this initial session is very basic.  I'll 
walk participants through the role of a giftfile consumer, making a 
first donation (play money of course) and allocating giftpool funds to a 
giftfile I'll have prepared beforehand.  To participate, you'll need a 
GNU/Linux or BSD operating system, sufficient permissions and ability to 
install required software, and familiarity with IRC.  Those without the 
necessary system requirements can still follow along on IRC by viewing 
server records from their web browser.

Here are the steps I'm planing to make this happen:

   1) I deploy recent server changes to the live test giftpool

   2) I release source code and Debian packages for the latest client 
software

   3) I announce to this list an IRC meeting time for the session, and 
ask those who wish to participate to attempt installation of the client 
software on their machines.  Participants will also have to prepare a 
PGP key if they don't already have one.  There will be several days 
before the session, during which time participants can post to the list 
or use the IRC channel to get installation help.

If at least two people express interest in this, I'll proceed.  Please 
send a message to the list or email me directly if you are interested.

Thank you,
-John