[wellylug] Very Important: Meeting of 13th Feb 2005

[Brent Wood]

I should probably apologise for offending anyone with my comments, but frankly,
as far as I'm concerned, those who find it offensive should take a close look
at themselves. So no apology is forthcoming, don't bother asking!

To start on a positive note, I'd like to thank & give credit where it is due, I
believe the LUG exists only because of the enthusiasm, work or support of a few
individuals like Jethro, the Jamies (B & D), Carl & Ewen. Some others have also
contributed, you know who you are. Most of the "members" appear to be here to
form a mutual admiration society, not foster Linux & OS at all.


There have been a few comments, perhaps tongue in cheek, regarding things like
the possibilities of sponsorship being minimal, that a committee will
disenfranchise members who want to meet & chat, etc....

I'm assuming they are from people who may know something about Linux, but
evidently not much else. 

While we haven't got much in the way of $$$ donated, that is largely because we
don't ask for it, & have been embarrassed by trying to work out what to do with
the $$ we do get.

At the last two installfests (for example) we have had a free venue, with
screens/keyboards, demo systems, presentation room, a flat screen donated for a
prize, 50 DSE Open Source CD's, DSE PCs in their stores to advertise the event,
a borrowed PC to run a presentation in Dymock's shop window, copies of a
commercial Linux with extensive printed manuals (try getting that with your
$200 copy of MS Windows), etc. And they paid for a good feed for the installers
afterwards. Plus free printing of colour flyers.

The $ value of donated goods for a 1/2 day event last year was over $5000.
Organisation basically started only two weeks before the event, so if we needed
more it was probably possible. Add the systems we were "donated" to use for
demos & presentations etc, the venue, printing etc, & don't kid me that
sponsorship is not available. You should be embarrassed about your ignorance &
ingratitude.

Despite such feelings by LUG members, and perhaps despite the LUG itself, Linux
is alive & well in Wellington. It certainly isn't because WellyLUG as a group
has actually done anything. 


This sponsorship has nothing to do with WellyLUG. The LUG has no credibility or
value to (my guess) 90% of the serious Linux users in Wellington, or to many
novice & potential users. The sponsorship was actually given in recognition of
the credibility of a few individuals. 

Which leads to my question: If the LUG exists to promote Linux & Open Source,
how is it doing this? How many members can hold their hands up & say they are
making a difference?

We agreed that the LUG was there to:

    * To exchange Linux and Open Source software knowledge and experience
    * To encourage the usage of Linux and Open Source, by introducing it,
        explaining it, and helping people to install it.
    * To have a good time, meet other people and to make friends.

(from the web site, courtesy of Jethro)

As far as I'm concerned, those who want to restrict the LUG to a relatively
ineffective disorganised chat room can pretty well only claim any involvement
or interest in the third goal. The only one that does not involve promoting
Linux or Open Source. 

Some say leave it to NZOSS. 

Why? The LUG can do it, it has the advantage of being in Wellington (& the even
bigger advantage of not being in Auckland - OK, I'll give Chris & Jamie
jaffa-to-be an apology for that one :-) 

If a few active LUG members believe some titles will help them promote Linux in
Wellington, is that such a bad thing? If the only way they can gain such
support  to form a new Wellington group, is that to the benefit of WellyLUG?

WellyLUG is so well regarded by those local organisations & businesses
supporting Linux that I could get the same support from them (or better)
running an installfest personally, without using the LUG's name or even
mentioning it on LUG lists.

WLUG & NZLUG provide a better resource via the internet for Linux users than
WellyLUG - my opinion, but check the list archives to see if I'm wrong!
Wellylug provides a convenient meeting place for a few Wellington Linux users
to pat each other on the back & say how great we are, and little else.



It may be appropriate for those Wellingtone Open Source users to form an
effective group of enthusiastic, motivated Linux users where we don't have to
fight disinterested & ineffective hot air whenever a new idea or change is
suggested. 

The reason this issue "keeps popping up" is because some members believe the
way WellyLUG is currently run impedes them from supporting Linux, OS & WellyLUG
as they believe is best.

They have tried to do this from within WellyLUG, but if that isn't going to
happen, this enthusiasm may well go elsewhere. 



Brent Wood