The linux mentor program does sound like a very good idea. Maybe we could incorporate this idea into the RLUG. Perhaps a page where those who wish to be available can post their email address optional phone number, area of knowledge, etc on the Wiki. I know I would be willing to volunteer some of my time to further the cause.
Damon ----- Start Original Message ----- From: Bill Roddy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Damon Jacobsen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [RLUG] Topic request > Damon Jacobsen wrote: > > In the development category, perhaps maybe a talk on init.d scrips and > > perhaps the whole systemV scheme. I know I would like to know how to write > > these scrips with commonly accepted practices. > > > > Damon > > > > > > ----- Start Original Message ----- > > From: Sebastian Smith <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > To: [email protected] > > Subject: [RLUG] Topic request > > > > > >>Hi All, > >> > >>Any ideas for a topic for next month? I was thinking about a topic > >>related to development, but since our turnout wasn't very good last month > >>perhaps we should do something different. > >> > >>Has anyone found a new location to host our meeting? > >> > >>- Sebastian > >> > >> > >>_______________________________________________ > >>RLUG mailing list > >>[email protected] > >>http://lists.rlug.org/mailman/listinfo/rlug > >> > > > > > > ----- End Original Message ----- > > > > _______________________________________________ > > RLUG mailing list > > [email protected] > > http://lists.rlug.org/mailman/listinfo/rlug > > > > There is an interesting article at NewsForge.com this week, called, "Why > Linux Needs A Mentor Program. > > This is the link: > > http://www.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=05/09/13/1816200 > > I think it's a topic worthy of discussion, if not consideration, among > all LUGs. > > Since attendance has been said to be low, I think there is a way fix > that. I would like to suggest that all meetings be broken into two > distinct sections. The first part strictly for the resolution of > problems for new or intermediate Linux "users," that is to say, people > who just use or want to use Linux, and do not have the technical > expertise some of you do, and who do not intend to write programs or > administer systems. (And please, do not call them "newbies." That term > is so off-putting to those of us who struggle alone to breech the walls > of Penguin World.) > > During that time, which should be designated and promoted, ANY question, > not matter how trivial it might seem, should be welcomed. A repository > of these Q&A's from the meetings could be kept on the Web site. I think > it would be of great benefit to those who ask, and eye-opening for those > who answer. I think there can be presumptions made by Linux gurus about > what should or should not be simple to new and intermediate users. > Sometimes, we assume to much. The intimidation factor is still very high > for those who might teeter on the brink of disappointment with > Microsoft, with no soft place to fall. > > Clearly, there should be a second part of the meeting that deals with > more complex issues, such as the ones I see frequently discussed in the > mail group. > > My next suggestion is not for the upcoming meeting, but one in the > future, and would involve inviting as many computer-skills educators as > possible to a meeting, to give them a demonstration of Linux, and to > pass out to them copies of live-CD versions of Linux they could play > with, along with the assurance that if they decide to pursue the topic > further, they could contact the RLUG and it could refer them to a person > or persons who could help them pursue a windowless world. > > I feel EXTREMELY awkward, recommending a topic for a meeting that I > can't attend. But I would be there, if my health would allow, because > I'd like the privilege of meeting you all. And I know the time > constraints many of you already have prevent you from being all you > would like to be in the Linux world. As such, these recommendations can > be taken with whatever level of seriousness you find appropriate. > > Yet, I can't help but believe that factoring in the real, clear and > present needs of new and intermediate users can benefit everyone. Once > cannot teach something without learning something. It's a win/win situation. > > If this topic set has been discussed before, and resolved, I apologize > in advance. Meanwhile, thank you all for your support and insight. > > Bill > > -- > Web site: http://life-and-times.net (This, too, is life) > Blog: http://www.life-and-times.net/blog.html > AIM: trogon gigas > > _______________________________________________ > RLUG mailing list > [email protected] > http://lists.rlug.org/mailman/listinfo/rlug > ----- End Original Message ----- _______________________________________________ RLUG mailing list [email protected] http://lists.rlug.org/mailman/listinfo/rlug
