--- Greig McGill <greig(a)hamiltron.net> wrote: Greetings all.
1. WLUG Funding
Last year, the committee attempted to raise funds for the purchase of a mobile test rig/demo lab consisting of a server, a workstation, and several peripherals for use in presentations, training, and perhaps community education.
Sounds like a good idea to me.
2. New and Inexperienced Users As mentioned at the AGM, the WLUG has been accused of being unsupportive of new or inexperienced users.
I do not see it as an accusation just frustration a bit. I fully accept that beginners have to do the yards and use Google etc, but there is a limit. I have had pretty good support since using the Wiki and Mail-List but would appreciate the coming meeting about these topics and there inclusion in the Wiki.
We don't wish to alienate the new or inexperienced users however, but we need some of them to step up, and volunteer to present some beginner topics, arrange workshops, and perhaps start a "beginner stream". You will have the full backing, and support of the "old hands" - just tell us what you need.
I love Linux and the challenge and freedom it gives let alone the cost etc. But from what I have seen and my attempts to use it, things get difficult when trying to get everything to work. Like Win Modems, WLAN etc. I believe that users are at different levels and their needs are different. The idea of a beginners stream sounds good. But we probably need more beginners involved. Linux is maturing fast, but to be a serious contender it needs to be able to work completely. I agree the average user does not install Windows or tinker with it much, but with Linux you have to tinker quite a lot to get things configured and working. As I mentioned at the AGM, WLUG does not advertise itself very well, nothing at the Citizens Advice Bureau or in the LOOT to name just 2 freebies.
We do have something scheduled for the new people. October's meeting will be dedicated to using the WLUG resources - the Wiki, mailing list, effective use of Google, etc. It will also feature a live "fixup workshop".
That will be great, and appreciated heaps. I understand the difficulty about having newbies and gurus but there must be away to accomodate both. BTW my thoughts are meant to helpful and I am willing to do my bit as a beginner, I have learnt heaps in the 10 months I have been using Linux. A lot of that because of WLUG members and the presentations given. Bill __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 10MB messages! http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail