[wellylug] Re: NZLUG discussion

David Murray newslists at electronincantation.net.nz
Mon Jul 11 18:46:37 NZST 2005


Hiya, Tony.


On Mon, 2005-07-11 at 10:15, Tony Wills wrote:
> At 19:37 10/07/2005, Mark Foster wrote:
> 
> >Out of respect for other WellyLug'rs who quite likely arent interested in
> >the semantic discussion I'm not going to respond further to this thread
> >on-list ...
> 
> I urge members interested not to just carry on private conversations with 
> Mark but move the conversation to the WellyLUG org list.
> 
> I am surprised at the level of heated discussion about NZLUG's 
> proposals.  Given that NZLUG already exists I see no reason to object to 
> them trying to ensure they are more inclusive and provide services for the 
> widest possible NZ Linux community.

I don't have any objection whatsoever to NZLUG functioning on a national
level.

I just think that what they are proposing needs to be thought through a
lot more; and that the regional LUGs should be involved in any increase
in scope for NZLUG.

I think that an increase in scope would be a good thing. But merely a
widening of NZLUG's catchment area and nothing else... how is that of
benefit to Linux users?

how would that increase the rate of adoption of Linux in NZ?


> Exactly what their role might be is obviously up for discussion, but a 
> spirit of constructive co-operation rather than suspicion might see 
> something useful achieved.
> 
> I can't see how they can detract in any way from WellyLUG or other regional 
> LUGs - if members can't get what they want from their local group of course 
> they will go elsewhere, so what?  It's not as though we'd miss out on 
> membership fees ;-)

True, and agreed!



> Maybe NZLUG can be an umbrella group, maybe just a place to co-ordinate 
> activities amongst NZ LUGs, maybe simply a source of wider input when local 
> help is not forthcoming.  But we are not discussing whether NZLUG should be 
> created, or if there is a need for NZLUG, we are looking at broadening the 
> role of NZLUG to something that is truly national - is that a threat to anyone?

I see that a truly national umbrella group that coordinates activities
amongst regional LUGs and provides wider input as necessary would be a
very good and useful thing. It wouldn't necessarily require more effort
than things are now, outside of keeping records of meetings (which,
perhaps, could be transcripts of chatroom conversations).

I think that such a group should be set up on a proper footing, and not
merely an ad hoc informal affair that relies heavily on the (very)
generous efforts of a few.

Such a group could function to promote the usage of Linux nationally,
and to counter Microsoft FUD as well as resistance from Microsoft
certified engineers and other admins who have a vested interest in the
status quo rather than promoting Linux usage. :o)

But merely as a website, and a discussion list... how would that be of
use nationally? If all members of the regional LUGs join the NZLUG list,
then the volume of email would be enormous compared with as things are
now.


> How about accepting that NZLUG exists and finding ways to make it 
> meaningful to the NZ Linux community? (conspiracy theorists need not apply ;-)

NZLUG exists (according to Mark Foster) as only a website and an email
list.

Can such an entity, for example, make a submission in its own right to a
select committee?

That's the sort of thing why I think that it should exist on a proper
formal footing - especially if it is constituted of all the regional
LUGs.


Warm regards,

David Murray






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