While I couldn't attend this installfest, I have to comment on the mailing list traffic that followed. <rant> First of all, you should be thanking Clay for organizing the installfest. It's not an easy task. And so what if it was on short notice? Most installfests are and generally it all works out. Why? Because of the people who participate. Over the years a lot of TCLUG members have given countless hours of their time to help others, all at no cost to you. Think about it. Not to mention all the media that goes out, usually at minimal or no cost. TCLUG is a volunteer organization. Anyone can step up and help. We're always looking for folks to help organize installfests, secure topics and speakers for monthly meetings, and help keep the website up to date. Instead of just complaining, step up and offer to help, and stick to you word. Plenty of people say they will do something, only to vanish when the time comes to deliver. Everyone expects to be fed and watered at an installfest. Someone has to collect money from everyone, order the food, clean up afterwards, etc. Again, another organizational task of an installfest. As for someone not knowing what Ubuntu is...I don't blame them. There are so many Linux distros today it's impossible for anyone to keep up. Have you heard of the one called Tiny Sofa?[1] I hadn't. You can't expect to walk into a room and have someone walk up to you with all the answers. Installfests are about getting together with other Linux folks and sharing knowledge, not just having _your_ needs met. Talk to people. It's a human thing. Try it. On the installfest server: this one has come up many times in the past. It takes time to build such a box and download all the current distros. We've tried asking on the registration form what distros folks are interested in. Yet, when the installfest arrives, there's always someone complaining because we don't have the latest distro XYZ available. Plus the box needs a burner, huge amounts of disk, a fast CPU, and lots of memory to handle the load of an installfest, ie, you need a current system. Most of us don't have the budget or time to maintain such a system. There's also the issue of the "keeper" of the box and how can we be sure it will show up at the next installfest? Again, not an easy task and I encourage you to try. Just think before you fire off that angry email. </rant> To all the folks who have participated and helped out at TCLUG installfests, meetings, beer meetings, and other gatherings, over the last 8 years a big thanks goes out to you. Your efforts are much appreciated. Scot Jenkins -- [1] http://www.tinysofa.org/