[KLUG Members] Regarding some notions of KLUG's weaknesses....

[Robert G. Brown]

On Wed, 06 Aug 2003 15:48:24 -0400, Victor <strat-man@comcast.net> wrote:

>I had the idea that a LUG should be more than an E-Mail Helpdesk, that it
>should also be about fellowship, and enthusiastic welcoming of new users
>of this powerful O.S. into this new world.
Hi Victor, your idea is so good that is it encompasses the values we had in 
mind when KLUG was started in late 1997. The people who run KLUG today (and
are subject to election every year, and for many positions, dismissal or
assistance at any time) are generally quite sensitive to any remarks that
would indicate that we have strayed from those values.

>When any group or club ceases to _actively_ welcome and recruit new members,..
Ah, but we do! Last night for example, we had a very lively meeting, tuned to 
the needs of beginners. There were a couple of Linux systems worked on last 
night, including people who came to the meeting having seen us initially at one 
of the local computer sales. More experienced Linux users helped each person
new to Linux, and the meeting room was not cleared until after 10 PM, to help 
someone with a particularly long install procedure. We take this kind of thing
quite seriously, I can assure you, and getting new users started is a mission 
we have been focusing on for a long time, with extra care and examination. I
think a good and successful time was had by all. In other words, a typical KLUG
meeting, to a great extent.

>(and I don't mean having a booth at the local fair, or a webpage with a
>"signup" link and a "novices" mailing list, I'm talking about the impression
>that people get from regular members in matters of common courtesy and
>enthusiasm for welcoming new users/potential members,)
Please understand that we operate these activities for the benefit of the 
group, and each person who has participated in them would very much like to 
see more involvement. We do welcome new people, enthusiastically at all
of our activities.

The purpose of such activities is that there is no "us" and "you".. we're all
on the same side here. That's the goal of fellowship and working on things 
together, and it's happened with many people at KLUG.  Just as Linux is open,
so is KLUG, if you make a specific statement regarding some flaw in the group, 
it will (and already has) become the focus of attention, and will be spoken
for and fixed, if needed.

>and ceases to have a sense of fellowship between the "old guard" and
>potential new members, that organisation has become stagnant and its' 
>lifetime is limited. (As is its' value in promoting, and therefore
>assuring the life of, Linux.)
I think you may be talking to a limited group of people, and since I served as 
Chairman for 2 1/2 years, and am the senior surviving founding member of the 
group, I guess that makes me the oldest of the old guard. Maybe that's why I 
take it on myself to answer your message here.

One of the objectives that we've always had in running KLUG is that there be 
no "insiders" or "outsiders". People could (and do) contribute to the operation
of the group as they can, and we would find more people to do what the group 
needs as we defined additional tasks. Groups stagnate when the volunteer base 
is not recruited aggressively, a small group of people somehow feel they must 
take on many more tasks, and they eventually burn out. Instead, we've always 
tried to be inclusive, and get more people involved.

This and other points are the topic of considerable discussion among the 
active volunteers who operate the group and perform services for the group as 
a whole.

Now, it seems to me that there is some specific instance where you've found 
KLUG to be somehow unresponsive. Can you tell me (perhaps via private e-mail)
what that is? 

>Keep in mind that most "First Contacts" with KLUG, and possibly Linux, too,
>will come right here in the mailing lists, so here is where they will form
>the first impressions of KLUG, and possibly the Linux community in general.
>What impression(s) they come away with is up to you.

Anyone who has been involved in operating KLUG has been very much aware of 
this, for years. I have found that those who have done so are usually very 
responsive, especially when a message outlining a need (via e-mail or in 
person, at a meting) is delivered clearly. We have talked about how to make 
our messages (about events, projects, and other activities) very clear over 
the years. A lot of what we've done has worked out quite well, while other 
ideas have failed. That's normal, and we keep working to improve the group. 

>This is not said with any vitriolic intentions, only as one that wishes
>only success for KLUG and Linux in general. My only motivation is to try
>and make both growing, vital groups that can attract and hold new
>users/members, and that reflect well on the Linux community and the
> members of the group.

That's fine, Victor, your comments have not been interpreted unfairly by 
anyone as far as I can see. Please understand that the interests and goals 
you've expressed are not any different than what the elected leaders and 
volunteers who participate actively in operating KLUG would like to see.
We've also been doing this in practice for a long time, but the process is
not a perfect one. Tell us, specifically, how to improve it, based on your
experience.

We are developing a very widely held reputation in the Free Software world as 
one of the most active and professionally run LUGs around, and that is 
something that we can all take pride in creating. As for the "Old Guard", I
don't see that; what I do see are concerned and motivated volunteers who help 
bring you a broad spectrum of opportunities and services, and are working to 
make them better. The most effective way to add to our efforts or change the 
way we do things is to volunteer and get involved.

I think that WE have built a very good organization, Let's keep up the good 
work!

							Regards,
							---> RGB <---