New GNHLUG SIG

[Arc Riley]

As I've said before, what you're looking for is very different from what
we're building, and I really dislike you're repeated attempts at trying to
co-opt this.

You obviously have a lot of interest and have a clear idea of what you want
to do, so find people interested in doing it with you and do it.  You don't
need to fight other efforts going on to do it.

What we're talking about building is a SIG that's specific to "regular
users", where most GNHLUG events are geared toward power users.  It's not
about activism or outreach.  It's just a group that holds events and
workshops that appeal to regular users, that includes regular users and
encourages them to give workshops as well.

In Ithaca, one of the most active members (Eric Skalwold) is such a regular
user.  He has no idea how to edit config files, or compile a kernel, and
barely squeeks through installs.  He hosts weekly potlucks at his home and
fosters discussion about issues that regular users face.  He wrote a flyer
about his experiences with linux and ways he found to resolve problems.  Of
course "geeks" are regulars at the weekly potlucks and give free help with
different problems people bring, but it's a self-proclaimed non-geek running
the show.

Outreach isn't the point.  It's about creating a place within GNHLUG for
people who don't program, can't edit config files, but are really interested
in seeing the next Ubuntu release, a workshop on installing Ubuntu on the
EEE, neat tricks you can do with Firefox, games they can install for their
kids, etc.

Promotion isn't the point either.  The people this is for, most of them,
will already have Linux installed (most likely Ubuntu these days) and using
it.  Again, this isn't an activist group.

I'm not even saying we /need/ a SIG for the purpose of the workshops.  We
could run these same workshops/meetings rotated throughout the chapters, I'm
certain it'd be welcome even if not that interesting to most of the
regulars.  As Heather pointed out, new faces show up that they've never
seen, and it's a good thing.

It's about the community.  Let's face it, we're a bunch of geeks.  We talk
to each other about things completely over the head of regular users, and it
alienates them.  It's not pragmatic to say we should change GNHLUG, but a
SIG creates a space within GNHLUG where most of the people involved feel
like they fit in.

I'm not convinced calling it an Ubuntu SIG is a bad idea.  Yes, it's the new
user distro of choice, and yes it may fall out of favor in a few years as
another new distro takes the limelight.  Nobody said this needs to be a
permanent thing, SIGs can fade as interest dies and be replaced.  Ubuntu is
the brand most new users are familiar with, they'll be drawn to a group with
it in the name, and will give focus in things like new release workshops.


As a side note, please stop using the word "gay" to refer to something you
don't like, it's offensive.


On Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 8:58 AM, <VirginSnow at vfemail.net> wrote:

> For those of you who weren't at lastnight's GNHLUG board meeting, the
> Board expressed favor for the idea of creating a new SIG.  In order to
> get the final thumbs up, the SIG must have a slick-sounding name and
> something at least resembling a mission statement.
>
> I'm going to propose the name "Community Outreach SIG".
>
> I like "Community Outreach SIG" because it's got the word "Community"
> in it, it avoids terms like "Newbie" and "New User", and conveys the
> "outreach" that will be done without sounding gay (like "Outreach SIG"
> or "Support SIG" would).
>
> I'll also propose the following purpose:
>
>  "The mission of the GNHLUG Community Outreach SIG (COSIG) is to
>   foster and promote, when appropriate, use and adoption of Linux,
>   Free, and Open Source software and solutions in communities
>   throughout New Hampshire, and to aid and support users and groups
>   making that transition."
>
> The rationale behind this mission statement:
>
>  "foster and promote" - we want to get more people aware of and using FOSS
>
>  "when appropriate" - FOSS isn't always appropriate for a given situation.
>                       We don't want to force FOSS upon people who have good
>                       reason to be using proprietary software.
>
>  "Linux, Free, and Open Source" - includes both operating systems
>                                   (like Ubuntu) and standalone apps
>                                   (like firefox), as well as
>                                   non-Linux OSs like FreeBSD.
>
>  "software and solutions" - includes end users, employess at work,
>                             workplace networks, government
>                             installations, all potential FOSS
>                             converts.
>
>  "aid and support" - having people switch to using, say, Ubuntu is
>                      not enough. to provide help and support to new
>                      blood is absolutely critical to the success of
>                      FOSS.
>
>  "users and groups" - not just individuals users, but companies,
>                       departments, and government bodies as well
>
>
> What do others think?  Are there any other names you like for the SIG?
> Any wording you would like to see in the mission statement?  Any other
> mission statements to propose?  Let's hear your ideas!
> _______________________________________________
> gnhlug-discuss mailing list
> gnhlug-discuss at mail.gnhlug.org
> http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss/
>
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