[Nottingham] NLUG: What's in a name?

[David Aldred]

David Aldred


On 10 June 2011 08:39, Jason Irwin <jasonirwin73 at gmail.com> wrote:

>
> If the purpose of the site is just to preach to the converted as it were,
> then I don't think it matters too much.  If the site is meant to encourage
> those who have heard about Linux to come along, then alphabet-spaghetti
> naming is quite likely to put them off.  In my opinion it makes the group
> look less like "a bunch of people discussing something they're interested
> in" and more like "nerd wars over a pint".
>
> I guess what I am trying to say is; don't let the desire to become
> accurate,
> become a barrier itself.
>
>
What he said.

First two questions for any website:

- who's it talking to and
- what's it's key message.

If the site is aimed only at those who already use Linux and might get
fussed over the meanings of GNU, FLOSS, GPL and all the other stuff, then
that will lead to one approach; if it's also addressed to people just
strating to find out and wanting a bit of help, then it leads to another
approach.

If the front page of the NLUG site wants to attract Linux newvbies to come
and find out more, then keep the politics and multiple initials off it.   If
not, it's essentially an internal site for Linux/FLOSS/GNU afficiaonados,
and can be as obscure and jargony as you like.

(One other thought; if we do (say) go to 'GNU LInux and Free/Open Source',
does that include people who use GIMP and OpenOffice on Windows, but argue
fiercely against using Linux - ie is the inclusion of extra terms an OR
clause?   Or is it an AND clause, in which case the NLUG can't discuss
running proprietary stuff under Wine, or using Linux to read DRM ebooks...)

I'd say keep it simplye and a bit fuzzy, and let the arguments happen over
the beers.

David Aldred
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