This is a call for papers for the open source software track of Penguicon 7.0, the weekend of May 1 through 3 in Romulus, Michigan (website http://www.penguicon.org).

Proposals (1000 words or less) describing the paper topic are due by { decide a date }, and should be emailed to papers@penguicon.org.  All proposals will be replied to, so use a working return email address. Final papers are due by { decide a date }. Papers should be 6 to 15 pages (very roughly 2500 to 8000 words, minus graphics and charts as appropriate). We accept papers in any format that can be converted to both HTML and PDF (although we may require you to do the conversion).

Accepted papers will result in an offer to present at Penguicon (including a free one-day admission or corresponding discount on a full weekend admission). Presentation slots are 1 hour. Video projectors capable of accepting 1024x768 vga video available upon request. Accepted papers, and audio recordings of Penguicon presentations, may be made available on the Penguicon website.

Penguicon is a combination Linux expo and science fiction convention featuring a diverse assortment of guests and topics. Our annual "Hack Of Honor" features inventions such as the Musical Tesla Coils, and Candyfab, a 3-D printer that creates sculptures from sugar. In previous years our technical guests have included Eric Raymond, Jon "Maddog" Hall, Nat Torkington, Chris DiBona, Christine Petersen, Bruce Schnier, Jono Bacon, and Benjamin Mako Hill. Our fannish guests have included Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Steve Jackson, Charlie Stross, and Vernor Vinge. For 2009, our invited guests include Wil Wheaton and Spider Robinson.