(as promised) New LUG!

[anacron]

This is to announce the creation of a Linux Users Group in the Glen Burnie (Maryland) area.

This LUG will be as much about recruitment and advocacy as about the exchange of knowledge and software. If Linux is to experience an explosion of popularity, then an explosion of 'grass-roots' advocacy must precede it. This advocacy will include community activities designed to aid in recruitment, fundraising and establishing a local identity for Linux. Growing the Linux user base in the LUG area will take precedence over all other objectives. Having fun would be a close second. (Of course, if you can't have fun turning Windows users into Linux fanatics, then this LUG probably wouldn't be for you.)

If you live in the area and are interested, please email me: jharriso@usfood.com

My philosophy on our role in the development of the Linux movement (http://www.linuxnewbie.org/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=006081) :)

[ 19 May 2002: Message edited by: anacron ]

[Desire]

Too bad I didn't live in Maryland or I'd be in. Nothing I'd love more than to turn a Windows user into a Linux fanatic!!!! :D

[anacron]

Well, I had my first convert today. My 13 year old son's friend (stay with me here) saw my 9 year old son playing Myth 2, and wanted the game. This led to a general discussion about the gaming strengths of Linux, and within 6 hours had talked Dad into trying Linux, and now his family's home PC is dual booted (Win98/Drake 8.2). That's the good news.

Bad news: The PC was a 3 year old Compaq Presario, there was only 2.5G available for Linux, and it only has 64M of RAM. So Mandrake runs a bit slow, and there's not much room for games. Also, for some reason, there's no sound (I'll have to look into that a bit). And when they boot back into Windows, Compaq forces some kind of scary looking file integrity check before going into Win98. I also have yet to determine the modem situation.

But anyway, add one more name to the growing list of Linux users.

Now for the hard part...

[Cameron McCurry]

Aw, Rats. Too far for me to travel (Montgomery County).

[anacron]

Here's my vision of the advocacy centered LUG:

Like any other community group, we participate in local fairs, festivals, shows, etc. The LUG would have a table with a large banner where they would sell cute Tux apparel and novelties (this would attract the passersby), and have a laptop running Linux. When the curious stop to see what Linux is and/or to check out merchandise for sale, we talk up the OS, demonstrate how much fun it is (on the laptop) and offer to sell them a complete set of CDs at cost. If they're willing to try Linux, we get their personal info, and set up a time when one or more members can go to their place to install & configure Linux. Once this is done, the convert would have the LUG members phone numbers & email addresses so that there's always someone to contact for help. One or more members may also become 'mentors' to the newbie, so that they feel as if they have a friend in the LUG.

Meetings should be at least 50% 'newbie -centric', with basic troubleshooting & skill development being the focus. Also the meetings should be very social & a lot of fun (food, beverages,contests etc.), so that people will want to bring their non-Linux friends. After the business of the LUG has concluded, folks with laptops (or those hardy souls who brought PCs) could break off to start demonstrating new games, killer apps, or a new trick they learned. And of course, there should be much software sharing.

Also, the LUG needs to cultivate a public identity for Linux by using the local media to advertise itself and the OS whenever possible. The general rule should be: If this will draw positive attention to Linux, and we have the ability to do it, it's a good thing.

Anyway, that's my vision. I've got more ideas, but for now, I'll leave it at that.