Ok, I think this has been a pretty productive conversation, from which I
think we can take away a few lessons (these don't pretend to be
complete, but it's what I pulled from the conversation), and pose a few
questions:
1) We are a Linux and Open Source Users group, not a Windows / MAC /
Proprietary Software / FCC / Google / Cloud / C++ / Country Music /
<insert something funny here> haters group. If we keep on the positive
side it's far more interesting and useful than on the negative side.
2) We should embrace and celebrate that for such a small area like the
Mid Hudson Valley we have many types of technical user groups that are
trying to keep their doors open. These include: MHCUG, ACM,
Squidwrench, the Programmers Meetup and many others that can be found at
- http://pok.acm.org/calendar.html
3) In corollary with #1, I'm going to provide the edict of no more
making fun of folks that present with Windows or Mac. It's cool if you
use Linux, but the right tool for the job may not be it. And I'd rather
have speakers focused on the information they are going to provide, then
worring if they can get their projector to work. A rattled speaker
never gives as good of a talk.
4) We are all human, and make mistakes. I'm sorry I lost it so much
with Joe. Everyone here should realize Joe and I are on fine terms now,
there are no sides there.
Now two questions that have been bubbling around in my head, and I'd
like comments on them.
1) Do we want another mailing list like mhvlug-chatter or something
which will specifically allow all manner of off topic posting (like Dan
suggested)? If people find that appealing, it's pretty easy to set it up.
2) A couple of years ago Joe brought up the idea of changing our name to
be more inclusive. Make it an Open Source Users Group, or Open Source
Society. At the time I wasn't really ready to hear it. But I think
that as our programs and member ship grow and shift it might be time.
Linux would still be a part of that, but this is really a bigger tent now.
Thanks everyone, I'm quite interested in your feedback,
-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.
__________________________________________________________________
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Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group http://mhvlug.org
http://mhvlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mhvlug
Upcoming Meetings (6pm - 8pm) MHVLS Auditorium
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