[wellylug] Very Important: Meeting of 13th Feb 2005
Brent Wood
pcreso at pcreso.com
Wed Feb 15 18:47:33 NZDT 2006
As usual, some very good & lucid points from Ewen :-)
If WellyLUG takes seriously it's claimed function as being to promote Linux &
OS, then Linux, OS & WellyLUG need to be perceived as credible. In the last 5
years Linux & OS have moved from fringe to mainstream. To reflect this, and
move away from the impression that Linux is only used by a few enthusiasts, I
believe the LUG, _if_ it really intends to promote Linux (as distinct from
merely supporting Linux users), needs to reflect this.
I heard a few comments after the MS attendance at a WellyLUG meeting, that if
MS NZ was at all concerned about Linux as a credible threat, they would have
been reassured by attending the WellyLUG meeting. I find it sad that so many
so-called Linux supporters are quite comfortable with this.
Incorporation does provide credibility, and as far as I'm concerned, for
WellyLUG, that is the ONLY advantage in it. It is not necessary for any LUG
activities, and I don't think that is a serious issue. I've never suggested
incorporation as appropriate, & feel it is a red herring as far as operating
the LUG is concerned.
As far as the Wellington installfest is concerned, I would be better off
running it as an NZOSS event to get any sort of corporate support. I'm
guessing, but I think I could probably get enough experts to assist with
installs from people I know & local NZOSS members. So is there any point in
involving WellyLUG at all?
The comments from several WellyLUG members suggest that events such as
installfests are run by a group of enthusiasts, who will get together & do
these things anyway.
With the NZOSS for branding & support, & enthusiastic individuals who don't
need the LUG for these events, why do we have a WellyLUG?
I'm quite happy to work with & through the NZOSS to run installfests & other
Linux/OS related events, such as Software Freedom Day (which really only had a
couple of LUG members doing anything anyway, both of whom are also NZOSS
members). But I'd much prefer to have an active LUG in Wellington promoting &
supporting Linux.
If the majority of WellyLUG members disagree, and feel that the NZOSS is better
suited to to be the front organization to promote Linux & OS in & around
Wellington, so be it. But I suggest the WellyLUG goals on the website are
modified to reflect this, by removing the first two.
Brent
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