Glen Burnie Linux User Group Forming [LWN.net]

Glen Burnie Linux User Group Forming

Posted Jun 16, 2002 7:55 UTC (Sun) by mem (subscriber, #517)
Parent article: Glen Burnie Linux User Group Forming

Like any other community group, we will participate in local fairs, festivals, shows, etc. The LUG would have a table with a large banner where they would sell cute Tux apparel and novelties (this would attract the passersby), and have a laptop running Linux. When the curious stop to see what Linux is and/or to check out merchandise for sale, we talk up the OS, demonstrate how much fun it is (on the laptop) and offer to sell them a complete set of CDs at cost. [...]

Nothing inusual until here. But:

[...] If they're willing to try Linux, we get their personal info, and set up a time when one or more members can go to their place to install & configure Linux. Once this is done, the convert would have the LUG members phone numbers & email addresses so that there's always someone to contact for help.

Interesting proposition. IMO, wrong, too. This is converting the LUG into a "free personal tech support center", which wears people out horribly fast. During my computer-literate life, I've been providing "tech support" on a number of different areas, both for money and for free. The for free case has happened in two basic forms: friends (and not-so-friends) call me and ask me how to fix some specific problem they are having or the other one, where I willingly help people on public mailing lists. The first form has many downsides and little upsides. Among the largest demotivation factor is the fact that people tend to call when they have a problem, not when I have the time to answer their questions, which doesn't happen in the second form. With mailing lists, I answer at my own pace and when I happen to have some time to do it. I consistenly reply to the mailing list and to the mailing list only. If people get a Cc, they tend to answer back privately with a load more of information and questions. Answering publicly has the advantage that other people learn, too, which loads some future work off my shoulders eventually.

One or more members may also become 'mentors' to the newbie, so that they feel as if they have a friend in the LUG.

This is nice, but my gut feeling tells me it's going to degenerate quickly.

Meetings should be at least 50% 'newbie -centric', with basic troubleshooting & skill development being the focus.

That's A Really Good Thing(TM).

Also, the LUG needs to cultivate a public identity for Linux by using the local media to advertise itself and the OS whenever possible. The general rule should be: If this will draw positive attention to Linux, and we have the ability to do it, it's a good thing.

(emphasis mine) That's also good.

Good luck, I hope everything works out well.

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