User:Ankursinha/Requesting Media from Ambassadors

Hello!
This page will outline the ways in which you can obtain Fedora media without having to download it yourself. It's a few easy steps to get your Fedora media, even if you cannot download it!

Before we get started

• Read the entire page before proceeding.

• DO NOT send a common mail to many Ambassadors with a request. Such requests are generally ignored. Such mails are regarded as SPAM. Request ONE and wait for her/him to respond. If she/he cannot service your request, she/he will point out another that can, or arrange for you to receive media.

• Be patient. This works completely on the voluntary contributions of community members.

• Since this is voluntary, please do not expect pressed media with fancy labelling. At most times, you will receive a media with Fedora written on it with a marker ;).

• If you can pay ( take/send a blank media with a blank envelope in exchange for Fedora media ), please do. This way, the contributors can use the savings to supply media to more people. If you can actually pay (via a transfer or something similar), it's even better.

• Have you checked the events page for an ongoing Fedora/Linux event in your area where you can get Fedora media? Have you searched for a Linux event? (Google is your friend)

• Have you looked at the latest issue of your local Linux magazine? Is it shipping Fedora?

• Have you searched for on line vendors that ship Fedora media for a nominal cost in your area? Some of them are listed here and here. This is a limited list. Please search the internet for more vendors.

Common Workflow

1. Locate the Ambassador nearest to you. We encourage Ambassadors to make themselves available on this map. You can also look at the Ambassadors Page for a complete region wise list.
2. If you're nearby, please contact the Ambassador and try to collect the media physically. (Sub section 1)
3. If it isn't possible to collect media from an Ambassador in person, please refer to sub section 2 .
4. If both the above mentioned methods do not work out for you, please use the free media programme.

Collecting media physically from an Ambassador in the same city as you

1. Email/contact the Ambassador: If the phone number is given, you can call too, emailing is preferred.

Hey <Ambassador's name>

I'd like to have a $FEDORA_REQUIRED_MEDIA. I happen to live in $LOCATION. 
Can you please provide me with the $MEDIA? I can come down and get the media from you if you give me your address and fix me a time. 

[You can optionally add a reason why you need the media etc., but it isn't really necessary]

Thanks
<your name>

2. You will receive a reply on the following lines:
1. If you're in luck :

Hi <your name>!

Thank you for your interest in Fedora!

Yes, you can come down to my place and collect the $MEDIA from me. Here's my address:

$ADDRESS

$CONTACT NUMBER

$TIME

Can you please bring blank dvds/cds that I can burn for you?

Thanks!
<Ambassador's name>

2. If you're out of luck:

Hi <your name>!

Thank you for your interest in Fedora!

Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with media at the time. 

[Optionally : A reason]

Would you please contact another Ambassador in the area? I know <so and so> are also around here and would probably be able to help you out. 

You can also refer to the Requesting_Media page on the fedora project wiki to look for other ways of receiving media. 
 
If you need more help, please email me. 

Thanks!
<Ambassador's name>

3. Act accordingly.

If you cannot collect media physically

1. Email any Ambassador with a request.

Hi <Ambassador's name> !

Would you please mail me a copy of $FEDORA_MEDIA_REQUIRED. 

[You can optionally add a reason why you need the media etc., but it isn't really necessary]

This is my address:

$YOUR_ADDRESS with PIN/ZIP code (most shipping agencies prefer a ZIP CODE)
$CONTACT_NUMBER (most shipping agencies suggest addition of a phone number, in case they need to contact you)

[Optional but advised/hoped] 
I can mail you a blank media with a return envelope that you can use. 

OR

I'd be happy to pay the cost of the media and the shipping. Can you please specify a mode of transfer and an approximate?

Thanks!
<your name>

2. You will receive a reply on the following lines:
1. If you're in luck :

Hi <your name>!

Thank you for your interest in Fedora!

Yes, I'd be happy to ship a copy of Fedora to you. 

[If you offered to send blank media and a return envelope]
Please mail the blank media to :

$AMBASSADORS_ADDRESS


I'll contact you when I've received the blank media. 

[If you offered to transfer funds]
$METHOD_OF_TRANSFER

I'll mail the media to you as soon as I receive the funds. 

Thanks!
<Ambassador's name>

2. If you're out of luck:

Hi <your name>!

Thank you for your interest in Fedora!

Unfortunately, I cannot ship you media at the time. 

[Optionally : A reason eg: "I'm out of the country on holiday!"]

Would you please contact another Ambassador ? 

You can also refer to the Requesting_Media page on the fedora project wiki to look for other ways of receiving media. 
 
If you need more help, please email me. 

Thanks!
<Ambassador's name>

3. Act accordingly.