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Some of my comments on this thread. Sorry probably getting a bit long
but wanted to include.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: tclug-list-admin at mn-linux.org
> [mailto:tclug-list-admin at mn-linux.org]On Behalf Of Jack Ungerleider
> Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2002 8:51 AM
> To: tclug-list at mn-linux.org
> Subject: [TCLUG] New Users SIG (Was:Install Fest: Linux Seminar)
> 
> 
> On Friday 01 February 2002 13:35, Rodd Ahrenstorff wrote:
> > On Friday 01 February 2002 4:52 pm, Samir M. Nassar wrote:
> <snip>
> > The question must be brought: Why not invite those interested 
> from PCUG to
> > the Linux Install fest and give a seminar to those attendies.  
> Or create a
> > new meeting agenda for new users migrating from Windows.  It will
> > eventually be a necessary addition IMHO.  I really do appreciate
> > the efforts of Terry to introduce Linux to new users, but what's
> > wrong with bringing these same people into the Linux fold by
> > attending a TCLUG meeting.  After all, TCLUG stands for Twin
> > Cities Linux Users  
> Group, newbie
> > or guru.  Linux is not all about Admin duties anymore.
> 
> A couple of things:
> 
> An invitation to the installfest was extended to those who 
> attended the TCPC 
> meeting on Jan. 9th.

Comment:
Not only was an invitation extended at the Jan 9 meeting but I put
out an email to all ~400 members a day before the Installfest to
remind them.  Several TCPC people did show up and participate in the
event. I have been posting  both ways for these meetings, to TCPC
members and TCLUG members.


> (Note: The following is my own opinion. Terry, Clay - Shoot it 
> down if I've 
> ventured into areas I shouldn't.)
> 
> Maybe what we need is a New Users SIG for TCLUG. Why not make 
> that a joint 
> effort with TCPC. It solves two of the most daunting tasks for 
> any new SIG 
> having a place and time to meet. I've committed to Terry to be 
> available for 
> most of the TCPC meetings when no one else has something they 
> would like to 
> present. As such I will volunteer to be the TCLUG's "SIG Leader" 
> for the New 
> Users SIG. The TCLUG general meetings (1st Saturday) can remain
> geared to  more experienced users and more technical topics. The
> New Users SIG/TCPC  Linux on Saturday meeting (2nd Saturday) can be
> geared to less 
> experienced 
> users and general Linux advocacy to the non-Linux using community.
> 
> How's that sound? 
> 
> -- 
> Jack Ungerleider
> jack at jacku.com

I am totally in agreement with Jack's comment above.  That is the
direction I have been working toward to further educate people about
Linux (including myself).  My direction has been to fill what I see
as a void for TCLUG people who are lost like me and don't get enough
out of any of the current activities (Installfest, General Meeting,
mail list).  I also wanted to provide TCPC people with more options
for our Systems on Saturday meetings other than Windows.  I wanted to
possibly draw some more people into TCPC that were perhaps a little
Geekier (hopefully no offense to anyone-meant as a compliment). Since
I believe competition drives the business world I wanted to promote
there are alternatives to Windows. 
My goal is to always have some open source or Linux articles in our
future newsletters (Digital Viking).  I have asked for articles form
this group and they have responded and some of those will be in our
March issue.  Previously I have written some but am certainly no
expert and did not get into any technical details.
One of the big differences between TCLUG and TCPC is that we do have
more of a structure being the oldest user group in the Twin Cities. 
We have an elected Board of Directors, officers and we charge($36) to
be a formal member and receive our newsletter. Though meetings are
free and open to the public. We are a Minnesota non profit
corporation (but not a 501c3).
Anyway with all that said I do agree with Jack and that is the
direction I am headed.  I will also present before the TCPC Board
this month some type of relationship with TCLUG to try and formalize
the concept a little more. It will intentionally be a bit fuzzy
though. If Clay or any TCLUGers have any objections, or comments, I
would certainly be glad to hear their thoughts as people weigh in on
the subject.

Terry Houle
President
Twin Cities PC Users Group
terry at tcpc.com
http://www.tcpc.com

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