[Klug-general] Reorganisation

[Kevin Groves]

Hello all,

Because the LUG looked in imminent collapse with Colin and Dan unable to 
spare time I suggested that I take back control while we resolve it's 
future. They both agree and suggest I post this message of hand over.

First thanks to both of them I know its hard work and hopefully we can 
all sort this out.

For much of this year I'm extremely busy myself so while I try and 
rearrange things I suggest these points for discussion/consideration:

1. Monthly meets seem to have variable numbers turn up. I suggest we 
change to quarterly, this way there is ample time to plan, discuss and 
arrange what we want to do, have enough material that can be advertised 
in advance so people can decide if they want to come and so we don't 
have to spend too much time trying to get things done.

2. To aid the above I suggest a formal group with responsibly to arrange 
the events. I know this has been done before and had mixed results. I 
don't have time to mess around so I will happily drive this along so 
long as others are prepared to commit to it too. If anyone is already 
acting in this regard or involved with the various websites etc then 
contact me off-list so I know.

3. Funding. I don't want members to pay subs. I want to make that clear. 
It is however a difficult subject and here I have an idea, one that sort 
of helped when I first set the LUG up. Originally we had to pay subs, I 
paid them so we could help share the costs of the room hire, they 
weren't much but along side my private business activities I was able to 
recoup those costs quite quickly. My suggestion is we either take 
sponsorship and/or create an income through some kind of (very) basic 
consultancy/support work, perhaps taking some kind of small percentage 
into the LUG the rest going to the person doing the work. I have a few 
possibilities already regarding sponsorship but I can't discuss them 
right now. Exact details we can sort out as its only an idea, I have a 
number of VAT registered companies and I'm an qualified book keeper, 
plus my wife is treasurer to a charity, I don't think the admin is going 
to be a problem. The work will be but might be. Will worry about that 
bit later. I think this could be an option, again its only an idea as a 
way to get around the need for subs, although the need for income 
depends on the next point.

4. Venues. I've not been for a while, so if you have a venue you are 
currently aiding the LUG with and/or you have one you want the LUG to 
use then please contact me off-list so we can discuss.

Of course all of the above are just my initial thoughts likewise with me 
back leading.

I hope we can get this LUG reinvigorated with some new ideas and take it 
to new places. On the 22nd I have a bit of time to focus on the LUG so 
if I can have any responses over the next week so I can take these into 
account that weekend. I should then have something back on here sometime 
the following week.

Thank you and as always I will listen to any comments with an open mind.

Kev,