[aclug-L] Re: Cool new fan site....hehe

[Steven Saner <ssaner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Perhaps it would be helpful for those who feel that they are in a
beginner classification, or feel that they better understand the
beginners needs, would list what things they would like to ACLUG do to
better help the beginner. This could include meeting topics,
workshops, etc.

A possible problem that I see is that we may have several
classifications of "beginners". There may be those that have no idea
of what Linux is (or maybe not even a clear idea of what an operating
system is) and don't know if it is something they want to try or
not. Then there may be those that have decided that they want to try
Linux, but don't know how to start. Then others may have finally got
Linux installed (themselves or with the help of an install day) and
now find themselves wondering what to do with Linux now that they have
it. Each of these levels is vastly different than the rest and perhaps
require a different approach.



On Fri, Apr 14, 2000 at 04:17:59PM -0500, James G. wrote:
> I will insert my comments into this reply below:
> 
> John Goerzen wrote:
> 
> > "James G." <jamesga@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:
> >
> > > for them. The question should be: Does ACLUG care to help this class of 
> > > people
> > > I just mentioned, or does it only care about "technically minded people".
> >
> > Both.  You might note the following that ACLUG is doing for the newer
> > Linux users:
> >
> >  * Q&A time before each meeting
> 
> This time is mainly unorganized and largely wasted in most resent past 
> meetings. If
> the time was better managed, it still wouldn't be enough time.
> 
> >
> >
> >  * Periodic free installs with greater frequency
> >
> 
> This event mainly attracts WSU Computer Science students on a budget (not the
> average Wichita resident who shops at CompUSA and buys a box of Red Hat for 
> $29).
> 
> >
> >  * Periodic demonstrations with opportunities for people to ask
> >    questions
> >
> 
> Yes... true. This is good. On a bad note though, a one time new visitor will 
> often
> feel disoriented and out of place and may not return after just one visit.
> 
> >
> >  * Occasional workshops
> >
> 
> Good. Dedicated topical events for everyone.
> 
> >
> >  * Classes
> >
> 
> Instead of a pure on-line class, perhaps a separate night for this also for 
> the
> sake of human interaction to get the ball rolling.
> 
> >
> >  * Various presentations covering topics of interest to newer users.
> >
> 
> Yes, but is not always on a very simplistic level and not enough new users
> recruited to take advantage of it.
> 
> >
> >  * These mailing lists where people are always willing to help
> >    the newer users.
> >
> 
> Very good.
> 
> >
> >  * Occasional surveys
> >
> 
> The surveys are mainly taken from existing members who are technically 
> inclined and
> who make a habit to come back. I feel very little to no input is taken from 
> the one
> timers who are disappointed and never come back after one visit.
> 
> >
> >  * Asking for topic suggestions from everyone, including newer users.
> >
> 
> New is relative....
> 
> >
> >  * Looking at other options too.
> 
> One option that has been in the past ignored would be  a separate night for
> beginners. This would not take away in the least bit from the existing Monday 
> night
> crowd. It would be an extension of the group. In fact, it would allow for
> membership to grow in the existing group. One problem that has prevented this
> option to be executed has been the fear of growth in the group (ironic as it 
> may
> seem).
> 
> >
> >
> > I think this is ample evidence that ACLUG is trying to help everyone.
> > It is true that ACLUG is not focused solely on new users.  This should
> > not be the case, in fact.  It should be a situation where everyone can
> > benefit.  Sometimes that means that discussions may be over the head
> > of new users.  Sometimes it means that more advanced users may be
> > bored.  It can't be an either-or thing.
> >
> 
> As someone in the mailing list has suggested, perhaps there should be a 
> separate
> meeting night for the superusers among us. (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
> 
> >
> > Consider: if ACLUG focuses solely on beginners, none of the more
> > advanced people will be interested, and so there are fewer people for
> > beginners to ask questions of.
> >
> 
> That's why we should cater to each groups needs individually on separate 
> nights. I
> keep hearing the reoccurring theme that separate nights for different skill 
> levels
> is totally out of the question (as is implied in the last paragraph).
> 
> I'm not at all against what ACLUG is currently doing. I'm against what it is
> currently not doing.
> 
> >
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> 
> James G.
> 
> 
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