BLU meetings - what would you like to see?

[rmela at shore.net (Robert Mela)]

These are off-the-cuff suggestions from someone who's not very involved with the
BLUG, and only makes about two meetings per year... so take them for what they're
worth..

So a nice demo of software that I would not otherwise have time/desire to
download/install/hack into running would be nice.  Like user demos of the
latest Gnumeric features would be useful for me... I'd know whether or not
I really want to spend the time learning it.

I'm using KDE because there were just too darned many RPMs to install for GNOME,
and if I can't get something up and working in 5 minutes, I move on to something
else...

Such demos would be useful for non-techies as well... "Here's what you can do
with Linux", or "Here's how you can use Linux for stuff your three-person
non-profit organization had to spend $10,000 to do with Microsoft"

BTW, I've been lurking on this mailing list for a couple years now, and I want to
say that some of you guys are the best example of how great Linux support can
be.  Although I don't post questions to this list, there are some things (like
the recent articles on X and ssh) that I keep meaning to get around to reading
docs for -- but you guys distil out the info I need before I have to invest that
time.

Keep up the great work.

Chuck Young wrote:

> I agree with both jabr and Don.  Of course, we still want technical stuff;
> that's what drives us.  OTOH, part of the linux philosophy (?) is showing
> folks that they don't *have* to buy the latest, greatest hardware and they
> don't *have* to buy products written by Microsoft in order to have a good
> time and - maybe - get some work done too.
>
> If they are bold enough to consider runing linux, they might need help
> with installation, getting applications to run, etc.  Why not try and
> reach out to them?  The install-fest idea is a good one, but could be
> expanded on to include more "basic training" and should we experiment with
> having a "beginners night" meeting after an install-fest?
>
> My guess is more people don't try linux because they are afraid of
> revealing their ignorance or technical non-aptitude.  Microsoft has the
> same problem.  Their answer is an intuitive (?) GUI, wizards and whatnot.
> Well, some of the newer linux desktops deal pretty well with the same kind
> of problems and are making the O/S much more accessible than ever before.
>
> I don't think we need to lessen the technical focus of the group.  We
> would all die!  We just need to try and make the platform more generally
> available.  Exactly how we would do this, I don't know.
>
> Is there any agreement that we should do more for beginners?
>
> Chuck Young
> GTE Internetworking
>
> On Tue, 23 Mar 1999, Simpson, Don wrote:
>
> > Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 17:46:17 -0500
> > From: "Simpson, Don" <Don_Simpson at bose.com>
> > To: 'John Abreau' <jabr at Blu.Org>, discuss at Blu.Org
> > Subject: RE: BLU meetings - what would you like to see?
> >
> > I've never been to one of the meetings, however, I don't believe that less
> > technical topics are what will continue to help Linux grow the way it has. I
> > would think that keeping technical topics on the agenda is important. But,
> > that's just my opinion
> > Don
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From:       John Abreau [SMTP:jabr at blu.org]
> > > Sent:       Monday, March 22, 1999 5:37 PM
> > > To: discuss at Blu.Org
> > > Subject:    BLU meetings - what would you like to see?
> > >
> > > In the past, I've tended to seek out technical speakers and topics for our
> > >
> > > Linux meetings. Now that Linux is becoming more mainstream, we can start
> > > scheduling less technical topics. I'd like to hear what people think about
> > > this, and about what you'd like to see at our meetings.
> > >
> > > Thanks.
> > >
> > > --
> > > John Abreau / Executive Director, Boston Linux & Unix
> > > Email: jabr at blu.org / URL: http://www.blu.org
> > > ICQ#28611923
> > > -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >     Your mouse has moved. Windows NT must be restarted for the change
> > >     to take effect. Reboot now?  [ OK ]
> > > -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> > >
> > >
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