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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Hi all, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Sorry for not responding sooner ( I guess 3 months is enough
time to keep silent)..<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>This email is going to be long, but just bear with me and try to
read it to the end, because I have an important reason for finally responding
now.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>(and please forgive me if some of my memory is fuzzy..)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>PAST:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Back in 1994, when I was a grad student at UB, I created the
Buffalo Linux Users Group. This primarily consisted of UB students (gotta love
UB being an island to itself), and we held monthly meetings in UB classrooms.
Fast forward </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>to</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'> 1998, I was working downtown and simply became too busy with
work to continue leading the user group. I handed the reins to James Simmons
who headed it up until he decided to move out of the area. Right about that
time, we received an email from Bob Meyer who was running the Niagara Linux
Users Group. Bob </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>proposed</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'> that both user groups join together in order to create a more
active and larger group. This made sense at the time not only to allow for a
larger usergroup base, but to satisfy James’ need to leave. So at that
time, the two user groups merged together to become the Niagara Frontier Linux
Users Group (NFLUG). Bob courageously headed up the NFLUG for a number years
and did a wonderful job. I then pretty much hid in my corner until 2004, when
around the same time Bob’s personal responsibilities needed him to take a
more passive role in NFLUG. Peter from Cybersource volunteered to host and
organize the meetings. This lasted about a year, and then around 2005, Richard
Hubbard volunteered ITT tech to host the meetings, and himself to help organize
them. In 2005, I also saw the need for a more advanced Linux Users Group. The
NFLUG to date seemed to primarily focus on new linux users and helping them
out. In 2005, I started the Buffalo Professional Linux Users Group (BPLUG)
which focused on using Linux in an Enterprise environment, basically having
presentations about more advanced topics. At around 2006, Richard had to
leave ITT Tech and subsequently also needed to take a more passive role in the
user group. Since then, the user group has pretty much been free-wheeling with
little leadership.To my knowledge, there are no organizing documents for NFLUG
or BPLUG.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>PRESENT:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>In my experience being involved in a number of user groups,
community organizations, volunteer efforts, etc.. There is one central
component that members of any group needs. This core requirement is LEADERSHIP;
without it, any group will be guaranteed to fail.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>I believe the present NFLUG situation exemplifies this. There
has not been a</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>n</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'> NFLUG or BPLUG meeting in many many months (years?). To my
knowledge, there is no leader of the user group and there is no
“Official” leadership position. There are no organizing documents.
Currently, the primary use of the usergroup is this mailing list. Whenever
I bump into a member of NFLUG, one of the first things they ask me is
“When is there going to be a NFLUG meeting”. I get requests from
people almost begging for there to be a meeting. This is really a shame because
so many people want to have a meeting and want to gain knowledge and
experience, and it does not happen due to lack of leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Please understand that I am not saying this to berate or
chastise anyone or their efforts. I fully understand</span><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'> </span><span
style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'>and
am an example myself</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>of how busy people can get and how other responsibilities must
supersede these type of activities. I wish that even I could give more
time for this organization, but the reality is that I (and others) cannot. I am
also very thankful for the people that in the past have stepped up and did what
they could. Leading a usergroup like this really is a decent amount of work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>So the present situation of NFLUG and BPLUG is glum at best and
is destined to be more of the same; providing little value to most and a lot of
frustration to some.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>FUTURE:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>I was lucky to have recently been present for the first meeting
of a new Linux user group..WNYLUG (www.wnylug.org), started by Brian Powell. I
must honestly say that I have not been this excited about such a group for
years. The meeting was truly inspiring. Brian has a significant amount of
experience being involved in a Linux user group in the past and is an official
Ambassador of the Fedora project. Brian knows how to run a usergroup, and he
has the excitement, knowledge, initiative, and vision to grow it to where I
believe it needs to grow to. In the first meeting he already had a mission and
charter. I believe this will be an invaluable service to the area and everyone
on this list and am thankful for his tremendous efforts already.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>With all of that said, there are a number of decisions that need
to be made in which everyone here should have input. Understandably, while
there is a big initiative for WNYLUG, one must figure out what do to with
NFLUG, BPLUG, and the corresponding mailing lists.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>In simple terms, we have somebody that is willing to step up and
lead whatever Linux usergroup is available. As far as what the name is, does it
really matter if there are consistent, current, and valuable meetings? For me,
my main concern is that there be a viable and active Linux user group.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>My $.02 and suggestion is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>I personally like the name WNYLUG. I think it best describes the
geographical membership better than BPLUG or NFLUG. Upon speaking to Brian, he
also like the idea of having a more “Enterprise” level usergroup,
and is willing to lead that one also (it might simply be a sub-group of
WNYLUG). So, if it was up to me, I would merge NFLUG and BPLUG into WNYLUG and
adopt the WNYLUG charter and mission statement for the time being. The next
WNYLUG meeting is December 10<sup>th</sup>. At that time, there will be voting
for the leadership and acceptance of the mission statement and charter (note,
even though Brian is founding this and taking on the initial leadership, actual
voting for all officers will be done). Anybody is welcome to come and not only
vote, but put themselves up for election.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Once this is done, the next item that needs to be cleaned up is
the mailing lists. I would suggest that the only mailing list that remains be
WNYLUG. People can either manually sign up for wnylug, and at date certain, the
nflug mailing list be shut down. I strongly discourage having multiple Linux
mailing lists be active at one time, It only encourages division of our local
community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Thanks for listening and for your input,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Mark<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>
nflug-bounces@nflug.org [mailto:nflug-bounces@nflug.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Tom
Reid<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Monday, August 18, 2008 11:29 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> nflug@nflug.org<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [nflug] Meetings<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>Hi Joe and all,<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>I am still at ITT Tech and can make space/resources available.
Although I couldn't make the meeting(s) there, we apparently also have
Trocaire available (thanks to whoever set that up). Our need seems to be
less about space available and more about commitment--people(volunteers!) to
keep things moving month to month. If we have events and subjects planned
further in advance, we will probably have better turnout and more
involvement. For the near future, I am willing to help with meetings
(with the incentive that ITT "encourages" its instructors to do this
kind of thing for 'professional development' and 'community involvement'
!). However, I won't (can't, don't have that much free time) do it by
myself.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>But first a request for some background. Mark (Bob?)
and any other of the original or past organizers/leaders, can you give us some
history, specifically whether NFLUG has any organizing documents
(charter? founding statement?), whether there were ever formal officers,
elections, etc? Or did you just do what you could in your spare time?
Having several (committed/Elected!) people share the load is better than one or
two, and having ongoing recognition for those currently carrying the load can
help until the next "election" when maybe some
others volunteer to take the lead for a while...<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>Maybe some disagree about the need for structure -
comments?<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>Thanks, Tom<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span class=gmailquote>On 8/18/08, <b>Joe</b> <<a
href="mailto:josephj@main.nc.us" target="_blank">josephj@main.nc.us</a>>
wrote:</span> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>I haven't been to an nflug meeting in a long
time.<br>
<br>
Are there regular meetings now or just once in a while when someone has<br>
the gumption to organize one?<br>
<br>
Do we have a meeting location that is generally available - like that<br>
great space we had at ITT?<br>
<br>
Most of the interest I have seen is for relatively advanced topics.<br>
<br>
Are there any other end-user types (like me) around who would appreciate<br>
things like presentations on desktop applications or some meeting time<br>
devoted to ironing out small problems in people's systems - especially<br>
if they are notebook systems that are easy to bring in and set up?<br>
There used to be install fests, but I guess the newer distros are<br>
generally so good at figuring things out for themselves that the fests<br>
aren't needed any more.<br>
<br>
I know that sometimes I have problems that I can't seem to get resolved<br>
on the list or find in Google that I'm pretty sure someone more<br>
technical than I am could resolve in a couple of minutes if they had the<br>
system in front of them and could see what was happening.<br>
<br>
Joe<br>
_______________________________________________<br>
nflug mailing list<br>
<a href="mailto:nflug@nflug.org" target="_blank">nflug@nflug.org</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nflug.org/mailman/listinfo/nflug" target="_blank">http://www.nflug.org/mailman/listinfo/nflug</a><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
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