I must not be getting all my "gnhlug-org" email (and yes, I checked my SPAM catcher), because I do not know what "two thoughtful postings" there were late yesterday that had essentially no response.
I saw Dave Marston's, and I responded with a "yup, I agree", and there was mine, but I did not really ask for any response. In the meantime, on the discussion list I put forth a hastily-done "survey" asking why people come to meetings, don't come to meetings, etc. So far I have gotten a smattering of: (1) I come to talk, and see people (2) I come to get questions answered with an equal split of: (a) I don't want to hear about politics, sex or trying to get anyone else to use Linux (b) Sure, I might become involved with doing something, but not if it takes up too much of my time (c) I might write a bit of code here or there, but don't ask me to mop the floor This is just a loose analysis, and I can get you a more detailed one later. I do, however, see some "volunteerism" in the group, just "cautious" about it. "Some of you" (I don't know who, but I assume that it is Ed, Rob and a couple more) are going to meet at the Central LUG meeting Monday. I can't be there. Sorry. I told you that I would be willing to meet on the following Friday, weekend or the next week. One thing I have noticed (and it always seems to be true)...it is easier to get people to volunteer for something that is new, and that it is the first time you do it, than to commit to doing something over and over again. Maybe this is because: (1) the new stuff is, well, new...and while you may not know what you are doing, there is some challenge and fun in that. (2) The same people who got together to do that last "new" thing are willing to stick their heads out on the next "new" thing....and some of the more time-cautious people join in because they see a beginning and end to the "new" thing. (3) After the new thing is done, there is usually a lot of Kudos that go around.. ....less when it is the third or fourth time it has happened. So in things like the business show, the PC event, the NUN nights and even things like installation fests, the first time you do them they are fun, but a lot of work. The next time they are less than a challenge, and still a lot of work. The next time they are just a lot of work. Hoss traders keeps working because it is little effort and you get to meet a bunch of interesting types, but quite frankly even HT is beginning to lose its luster as I finally realize that no one will pay you anything for anything at HT. I would get more payment for my stuff at the PC show, selling it at $5. a board. At least HT is outside (and sometimes that is a detriment). One more thing. I have noticed that organizations which have "special tasks" do well by doing only one "special task", and doing it well. What I mean is that if Ed wants to do schools, and Rob wants to do libraries, then it would be better if they got together and did the "Library and School project", so as not to dilute the rare and scarce resources that we have. I have other thoughts.....like: Host a speaker from overseas to a weekend in Boston. Help out USENIX in Boston (June 26th-July 2nd) Have a field trip down to USELINUX (a part of USENIX), and have a "LUG day" down there....join in with the BLU and Worchester people....kidnap the USENIX Linux speakers and take them out on a boat. Low planning overhead, big return on "Fun". md FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN -- Jon "maddog" Hall Executive Director Linux(R) International email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 80 Amherst St. Voice: +1.603.672.4557 Amherst, N.H. 03031-3032 U.S.A. WWW: http://www.li.org Board Member: Uniforum Association, USENIX Association (R)Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in several countries. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the US and other countries. _______________________________________________ Gnhlug-org mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-org
