Jeff, I am sorry that MHCUG got flamed in the list. I'm a part of a
number of local groups and I well know the economics required.
I should clarify how we exist, because some of the newer folks don't
always realize it: IBM has been graciously been paying our rent with
the library system this year, as with most years. In 2009 when IBM was
in very tight financials, and I doubted I could get it through, Marist
College graciously stepped in to help. What we do couldn't be done
without them. Over the years of organizations have volunteer spaces for
us, including SUNY New Paltz, Vassar College, and Cervalis, who Dan
Simones (on thread) was gracious enough to arrange.
Hosting for the electronic assets is on my linode, it comes out of my
pocket, which is something I'm happy to contribute.
While it's not too bad to find a free space for < 20 people, the moment
you pass 20 they don't exist, at least not with a projector, internet,
and the ability to meet on a regular basis. And, believe it or not, it
is only on the rare summer meeting that we drop below 20 folks. I just
went through this process last year with the Mid-Hudson Astronomical
Association across the river as we were trying to find a space.
Talk to anyone that runs any of the local user groups, and they have
very similar challenges. No one is trying to fleece their users out of
money, they are just trying to keep the doors open. We are fortunate
that we've had a number of connections and sponsors that let us run more
informally.
-Sean
--
__________________________________________________________________
Sean Dague Learn about the Universe with the
sean at dague dot net Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association
http://dague.net http://midhudsonastro.org
There is no silver bullet. Plus, werewolves make better neighbors
than zombies, and they tend to keep the vampire population down.
__________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group http://mhvlug.org
http://mhvlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mhvlug
Upcoming Meetings (6pm - 8pm) MHVLS Auditorium
Aug 4 - Samba
Sep 1 - BOINC
Oct 6 - Creating Firefox Extensions
