[vox-outreach] Beta test OpenOffice.org data aware form to assist Microsoft California Settlement Claimants

[Paul Miller]

Hi All,

I have developed  a few StarBasic macros and duplicated the Microsoft 
California Settlement Claim in an OpenOffice.org form.

My motivation was first to learn about the API (which has a rather 
steep learning curve) and second to try to create something useful for  
grassroots marketing and distribution efforts  to promote Open Source.  
The form is designed to take advantage of contacts in an Address Book.

This project has made me aware of the huge potential the OpenOffice.org 
API has for developers.

I am at the beta test phase of my little single person project.

If you have the time, please install the form and dBase file found here

http://www.innercite.com/~pmiller/SmarterMSCalSettlement/

on any system with OpenOffice.org , evaluate it and the accompanying 
ReadMe and give me feedback via email.

I am also hoping that developers will critically look at my code and 
make improvements.  The code is LGPL.

There is only one month until the filing deadline so  I really need 
support and encouragement if this is to make even a tiny impact.
USA Today claims that fewer than one million people have responded with 
claim forms, despite notification mailings to 17 million people.  I 
have seen other reports that 25-30  million people are eligible to make 
a claim.  I estimate that the average claim will be $64.  If anyone is 
listening, on March 15 there will be a huge sucking sound of an 
estimated $880 million from California consumer wallets back to the 
control of our friends in Redmond.

Anyone here interested in helping California consumers get their money 
back?

Best to all,
Paul Miller
OpenOffice.org Marketing Volunteer
LUGOD member