[Scottish] My Views and Opinions on the Future of ScotLUG

[Phil Deane]

Hi Folks

I thought I would post my 2p worth. Although I haven't had a huge amount of 
input into SLUG, and only been to a handful of meetings, Although my New 
Years Resolution is to try and attend the meetings. I thought I would share 
some thought

I think the idea of structure is a bad thing. A committee is only good for one 
thing, inflating ego's. People should be in charge at different times 
depending on what is required. But an official "leader" defer a chain of 
command which I don't think works in the geek world.

For example, I work in a bank, which means I could easily operate a bank 
account, for dues, donations, fee's etc. This seems a good idea. But suddenly 
giving me the title of treasurer, defers that all monetary decisions must be 
made by me, whereas, someone who knows about webspace may be a better person 
to decide how much bandwidth the scotlug site needs and how much should be 
paid for it. 

(On The Topic) Should a bank account be needed, i am happy to help, although 
reluctant to be given a title, The only title I like is pleb.

I am a member of BLUG (Belfast) which has a committee and and 
constitution.(Not like Belfast to get involved in political wrangle) and they 
up to the last few days when I noticed the arguments going on here , where 
miles behind. They go through this turmoil all the time. As people who have 
been given titles are accused of not doing their job, because they have not 
donewhat the next person would if they had the position.

Which is another good point. When you have a Event organiser, no one else is 
going to try and organise an event, because its not their job. Or if you have 
a fundrasier, then no one is going to try and raise funds, as its not their 
job, but "if it was my job then i would be doing XYZ" 


As far as the current Schism (love that word):

I agree with Tony. The talks before the meetings are a good idea for a few 
reasons.

1. It has some order to it.
2. New people feel less intimidated, when there is a formal meeting before the 
pub.(My experience)
3. People learn something, and can ask questions.

But the pub is good because:

1. Beer loosens tongues, people chat more freely

2. Good Way to end the night

And I think point 2. sums it up, good way to end the night, couple of beers,a 
nd last train home. If I met up at 7:30 on a Thursday and drank till 11:30 
(Last train at 11:40) I would be drunk, and probably reeking of beer the next 
morning when I have a 9am appointment every Friday. Being Irish, means not 
being able to be in a pub without a drink, so would be unavoidable :)

As far as mediums go I like the mailing list and IRC. Although the few times I 
ventured into IRC no one was talking, and I got bored fairly quickly. 
Understandably i might have picked a few bad times. With the mailing list, if 
I pose a question, I know it will take a while to get answered, so have 
patience.

Both I think are useful. I do feel that as all members are on the mailing list 
(I think) so if there is an announcement, then an email means everyone will 
get it. If you use IRC then you might miss the message or subject title.

But I also think IRC is an extension of the meetings, and good for senseless 
chat.

The adaption of SLUG would to me, be a better idea, than the formation of a 
GLUG, as there is room for all the ideas, within the one banner. I think it 
would open up a rivalry between the LUGS and instead of having 2 LUGs with 
clear plans, would dilute the potential good that could be done, with one LUG 
which has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

I am willing to be a more active(as opposed to currently and non existent) 
role in the SLUG community.

PS. All caveats apply, My own opinions expressed, tell me to take a running 
jump if you disagree, but at least be polite :-)
-- 

Phil Deane
http://www.MiracleExpress.force9.co.uk