[Cumbria] Definition of a 'User Group'

[Schwuk]

To my mind, this group is for *Linux* *Users*.

Linux. I feel we should be representative of all flavours of linux, no 
matter what form they take. I also feel we should cover Open Source 
Software in general as this makes up the majority of linux 
distributions, and many linux users also use OSS on other platforms.

Users. anybody who uses Linux is a user, no matter how they are using 
it. No members should be excluded from any function of this group unless 
they do not wish to partake. True, the current skillset of the group is 
not completely balanced, but then neither are the voices (which 
_everyone_ has a right to use). In time, when the group grows (if it 
does not rip itself apart first), then different skillsets can be 
catered for better. Several discussions around 'splits' in the group 
have been raised. I do not feel this would be of the benefit to group as 
a whole or the members involved.

Regarding the discussion around meetings. The meetings (currently the 
only meetings of the group) held at Gleaston Water Mill are kindly 
hosted by Mike Brereton. As the host, his is the final say of the format 
of those meetings. Attendance of the meetings is obviously voluntary, so 
if you do not feel the meeting will be of benefit to yourself, it is 
your choice as to whether you attend. As the Gleaston meetings are the 
only current regular meetings of the LUG, they are also currently the 
only method of meeting other members face-to-face. If people wish to 
have a different format for meetings, then they can arrange other 
meetings at different venues (unless Mike allows the use of the Water 
Mill) accordingly. Simply publish the details to the mailing list, and 
members can then choose to attend.

Website: http://www.cumbria.lug.org.uk is the official website of the 
LUG. It is currently maintained by myself, and at the moment contains 
details about this mailing list and any meetings that I have been 
informed about. In time, additional functionality will be added to the site.

Mailing List: The mailing list is administered by myself. It was 
provided as a forum for communication between meetings to keep the 
'flow' going in the group. Anything that is relevant to the group can be 
posted to it. As shown by the growth in volume on the list it is proving 
a popular means of communication. I do not believe in censorship, and 
this will be reflected in my administration of the list. People can join 
or leave as they see fit, but it is currently the primary form of 
communication for the group. Please do not post anything to the list 
that you would not be willing to say in person.

My apologies for the slightly formal tone of this post, but I am getting 
sick of the current infighting, and would like to see the group get back 
on track.
-- 
Schwuk