[PLUG] Re: Starting a new computer user group

[Darxus@chaosreigns.com]

On 06/04, Egras, Brian (WingspanTech) wrote:
> Hello:
>  
> We are in the process of organizing a new Philadelphia-area technology user
> group focused on data-centric technologies.  We would like to elicit any advice
> that you could give us that would assist us in the endeavor.  We would like
> your ideas on topics such as:

I don't have experience with most of these points.  I was not around when
the Philadelphia Linux Users Group was created, and at this point the group
about runs itself.

>   * how to obtain new members

Find related mailing lists and let them know you exist.  Put up a related
website, feed it to the search engines.  Maybe put some ads in local
technical magazines.

>   * how to maintain members

Don't suck :)

>   * how to recruit speakers

During every meeting, we announce the upcoming subjects, and ask for a
speaker for the next unscheduled month.  If we get one, we ask for another.
People volunteer at the meetings, and in email afterward.  

>   * how to structure events effectively

PLUG is.. rather unstructured.  The mailing list is probably at least as
important to the life of the group as the monthly meetings - everything
related is discussed there.  At the meetings, there is a period for people
to pose questions / discuss recent problems they've had, then there is the
scheduled presentation, which then leads to open discussion.  Then, if
possible, we go out for food.

>   * should events avoid being too closely affiliated with a vendor

I don't think it's that simple.  Our presentation this week is going to be
from someone who I believe works for the company that produces the product
on which she will be presenting.  It's a new Linux distribution, and I
think it will be worth our time.  

We have also had offers for presentations from local recruiters.  Those are
the only offers I've turned down, because we couldn't figure out what they
could present on that would be sufficiently mutually benificial.

>   * other things to try, expect or avoid
> 
> We were also wondering if it would be possible for you to help us get the word
> out possibly by emailing your membership with an announcement of sorts (I am
> supposing it would be a breech of confidence to allow us access to your email
> list).

This reply is also going to the plug list.  You can send email there.  Try
to keep it somewhat on topic.

> Our organization, which is entitled the Data Technology Society of
> Philadelphia, will try to address an area of interest focused on such issues as
> data storage, data retrieval, and data management.  Most of it will key upon
> database technology, but we are trying not to eliminate other interesting
> topics such as document storage and retrieval.  We are looking to hold our
> first event in the fall.

I think PLUG works because... it is... obvious.  If it weren't started by
the people who started it, or if it weren't maintained by the people who
maintain it - someone else would have created and maintained a LUG in
Philadelphia.  Linux comes with culture.  People who like Linux tend to
have a lot in common, and get along well.

I don't think you have that advantage.  I can't actually see creating a
social phenominon around data store retrieval and management.  But then I'm
not you.  You, of course, are much better suited to realizing your dream
than I am.

> Any help you can give us is greatly appreciated.
>  
> Brian Egras
> Wingspan Technology, Inc.
> 215.619.2400 Ext. 2413
> www.WingspanTech.com

Not only does your website appear to be unusuable in a text browser, but it
requires flash ?  

-- 
http://www.ChaosReigns.com


______________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Linux Users Group       -      http://www.phillylinux.org
Announcements-http://lists.phillylinux.org/mail/listinfo/plug-announce
General Discussion  -  http://lists.phillylinux.org/mail/listinfo/plug