Hi all LTSP contributors, I have a few comments about this project. But first, let me say that it is great to see that this project is moving forward so fast. No matter what kind of road blocks might come up, I think this project should continue because the local schools and students will benefit a lot.
Concerning how to proceed with the project, I have the following comment: 1. I think the biggest problem I currently see with the project is that it lacks a secretary. I.e. since Warren is doing most of the work so far, the rest of the LUAU members don't really have an up-to-date status. I.e. how many computers are available right now? What are their configurations, etc? Clearly, Warren is not the only one who can gather this informaiton. You don't need to know Linux to do administrative work on the project. 2. I think the LTSP should be independent of the MPLUG name. I know Warren has been doing most of the work so far, and he is the head of the MPLUG. I think we can get a lot more volunteers if it was an independent group. Scott suggested a non-profit organization. That is a great idea. That should be the direction LTSP should be going. 3. Concerning the qualification of LTSP recipients, I agree again with Scott. I think a complete solution approach is better than just delivery of black boxes and initial training. I think the only way LTSP is going to succeed is if the requirements are as small as possible. 4. Concerning the cost to the recipient, I think it should be reduced as much as possible. If we use the complete solution approach, that should make it a lot easier to calculate the cost. We should also be providing a form of consultation service. I.e. going to the schools and evaluating their computer lab, and power availability, and other potential problems. The project should do as much of the work as possible. 5. I do not see why the LTSP project can not have two teams. I.e. if some people are only available on the weekends, then there should be a weekend team. If other people are only available during the weekdays, then there should be a weekday team. I do not understand why we can only have one team that only meets at one specific time of day in one location. >From the sounds of things, there are more than enough donated equipment to be managed by multiple teams. I think the fist step is to find a secretary or manager. I will volunteer for this duty if no one else steps up (Warren, expect a private email from me on this). If more than one person volunteers, the work can be divided between each volunteer. Thus, we do not need to vote or anything. Once a manager is found, a meeting should be called to discuss the future actions. I think it would be too cumbersome to discuss these things on the mailing list since there will most likely be a lot of brainstorming. Things will get done a lot faster if people meet face-to-face. Note, I can only volunteer on the weekends (all day Saturday and Sunday afternoons). Thus, if there are volunteers who are not available on the weekends, you should organize a team for the weekdays. --jc -- Jimen Ching (WH6BRR) [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
