[Rnb] New To Linux

[Katherine Goodwin]

Hi Roger (and all),

Roger Frisby wrote:
> For a while now I've been trying to switch to Linux from the 
> unmentionable "M" word.
> I get so far and then run into  problems. I've been on various forums 
> and whilst the guys are really helpful I still struggle to make things 
> work.
>
While LUGs do try to help people with specific problems - particularly 
on the mailing lists - meetings at all of the LUGs I have been to have 
not really been for that.  Most LUGs do aim to spread knowledge, but 
tend to do it through the mailing lists, and through talks at meetings.  
We sent RnBLUG up as an excuse to basically go to the pub and talk about 
"work" stuff, as SBLUG (Now Birmingham LUG I think) already exists 
nearby and has traditionally been quite "newbie" friendly, and tries to 
have "installfests" and suchlike.

> I came to the conclusion that I could do with some local help. I 
> started looking for computer clubs in the area and came across the 
> Redditch and Bromsgrove Linux User Group which was even better.
>
> I found the web page rather drab, with no signs of life and the only 
> venues / activities refered to were in 2007. I've contacted David 
> Goodwin and he has explained that due to his wife having a baby he's 
> not been able to devote the time to the site. Which is fair enough.
>
WolvesLUG, which is particularly popular, had, for many years, an 
exceedingly plain website which basically just let people know where and 
when meetings are.  Few LUGs have additional online resources - 
especially small ones.  It would be lovely for people to have the time 
and resources to put into this, but I haven't yet met a LUG that does.  
Of course, if someone decided to do that, they would be more than 
welcome to have access to the site to do that, but unfortunately those 
with the knowledge often have busy lives and jobs which prevent them 
from spending many hours documenting things which often already exist 
elsewhere (for example, David writes a wide range of how-tos when he 
does something new, but they are generally fairly specialised to what he 
does at work and exist on our personal site!)

To be completely honest, even if we didn't have a little scamp 
threatening to crawl, I doubt that there would be more on the site than 
more information about meetings!  (We tried this at Wolverhampton LUG 
back when we were members, and it seems to be only now that the site was 
taken over by a (at the time) long term unemployed (health issues) 
member that they have some content - and you'll notice that its not 
actually that much! - although I do note that David and I are still on 
there, even though we go about once a year!)
> But I raise the issue, Why should running the site and group 
> activities only be down to him ?
> Which begs the questions, How many members does the group have? How 
> many of you are bothered ?
> I personally see a huge benefit from members getting together and 
> discussing Ideas and problems. What do you think ?
>
We're an extremely small LUG, as I think David explained.  Most of us 
that have turned up at meetings already know each other from jobs/ other 
LUGS, although we did have a couple of meetings where others turned up.  
There is no reason why other people can't arrange meetings, and have 
access to the plone site to create content - but we've had absolutely no 
interest in that side of things from other people!  So in conclusion, if 
people want to volunteer to add more content to the site, please feel 
free - if you want to arrange meetings, suggest a date/location on the list!
> I see that David has posted some mail regarding a Meeting some time 
> soon, Can we see some interest ? Please.
>
It would be nice to see, but its not the easiest thing to generate!

Have a nice day

Kat
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> Rnb mailing list
> Rnb at mailman.lug.org.uk
> https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/rnb
>