Re: [tlug] I'd like to help TLUG, but...

["Josh Glover" <jmglov@example.com>]

On 02/05/07, Shannon Jacobs <shannon.jacobs@example.com> wrote:

> TLUG actually seems to be doing well enough in its own cute little way.

Allow me one confrontational use of inline posting to thank you for
your backhanded compliment.

> I don't see any special problems existing now that can only be addressed by
> my unique contributions.

Indeed. Problems that can be addressed by trolling and thinly veiled
insults are few and far between.

> Speculations about possible improvements also seem
> pointless. The spokesmen of TLUG seem satisfied enough with how things
> are.

You were told time and time again that if you wanted to do something,
do it. Some will follow, some won't. This is the nature of the Open
Source community in general. Why should TLUG be any different? In the
same group, there are many who would be interested in helping you (or
someone like you, but more action-oriented) spread the Good Word of
Linux to Vista refugees. Others don't really care to evangelise Linux
as a desktop OS to Joe User.

> Conversely, I even think I was willing to seek help from TLUG in
> addressing my Linux-related problems.

If you were "willing", why didn't you just ask? It's not like there is
some application process and fee for obtaining our help. Just ask, and
see if you get replies.

> However, I just don't feel like there's been enough help received to justify the
> (to me) somewhat long trips to Tokyo.

Most helping takes place on the mailing list. Meetings are really more
of a social event (though the talks are supposed to be educational).

> TLUG will continue to do its little things, whatever they are, and I'll do mine.

Nice.

> I always felt that one of the most preposterous criticisms of Linux
> was that "Linux doesn't scale for large real-world problems", but at
> this point I do believe that "Linux user groups don't scale to the
> real world." Me? I'm still interested in the real world Ãber alles.

Linux user groups are not really designed to bring Linux to the
masses. Was the Tech Model Railroad Club's[1] goal to bring model
railroading to the masses? No, it was to hack and have a good time.
That is what most LUGs that I have encountered do.

There are organisations with the stated goal of Linux evangelisation.
Zev pointed you towards one that is trying to get started. Maybe all
it needs is a bold leader like you.

So farewell, sirrah, and Godspeed!

-Josh

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TMRC