[free-sklyarov] Protests

[Julie Thornton]

EFF had to withdraw.  They also had to request that we call off  the
demonstrations, which they did.

However, if you think about it and read between the lines here, they
fulfilled their commitment.  We can now go on with the scheduled
demonstrations and they can honestly say they tried to stop it, but it was
bigger than they were.  Probably that is what Adobe is going to say about
the Federal Case.

Go on with the demonstrations, and make sure you have at least one well
prepared spokesperson on hand at every location to talk with reporters and
provide even handed, factual information.  Chances are good that the
reporters won't know the history of the case, so be sure that you are ready
to give them printed literature which describes the events.  The Elcomsoft
website has an excellent recap of events leading up to and following the
arrest, and I recommend that you have hundreds of copies made of this
version of events.  That will substantiate the claims made and give a great
background for reporters.

Also, be sure and have someone contact all of the local newspapers and radio
stations in your region, telling them about the demonstrations and inviting
them to cover it.  Be sure that they are told a time that is about 30
minutes AFTER you get started.  That will allow all the latecomers to arrive
and for you to gather crowds of interested persons who are milling about.
Be sure you invite your friends and family members so the number of people
there is as high as possible.

Use a loudspeaker if you have one, and have people constantly giving
speeches.  Even if you have three people giving the same speech, that
attracts attention.  Make sure it is at least 10 minutes long, and that it
is well prepared in advance.  Noisemakers and streamers also attract
attention with minimal cleanup.  However, be sure you clean up the area when
you leave, so that you are being a responsible citizen.  There is nothing
less convincing than a group of annoying people who come and leave their
trash everywhere.  How can that possibly produce respect?  I assure you, it
does not.

Good luck to you all!

Julie