LUGs in the Baltimore area... [LWN.net]

LUGs in the Baltimore area...

Posted Jun 20, 2002 13:41 UTC (Thu) by jonlasser (guest, #1077)
In reply to: LUGs in the Baltimore area... by DeletedUser2116
Parent article: Glen Burnie Linux User Group Forming

I see the difference, and I applaud the goal of bringing newbies to Linux.

However, running a LUG or a group of any sort is hard work and requires dedication from a number of members. (I run Baltimore's local SAGE group, Old Bay SAGE, and have done so for nigh on three years now, so I know what it takes to do it consistently.)

In my experience, a group dedicated to newbies doesn't last, because either the newbies initially attracted blossom and now want those advanced LUG presentations you're pointing out, or because the experienced people get burnt out on helping newbies with the same questions again and again.

A good LUG, like the UMBC LUG, has a constant mix of newbies and experienced people. This keeps the newbies involved when they're no longer newbies.

If such a group were to succeed, it would have to be in a place where there weren't two other groups waiting to bleed off anyone who doesn't want to answer the same newbie questions again and again.

Still and all, I could be completely wrong. The mission is admirable too. Good luck with the group.

(Log in to post comments)