[NTLUG:Discuss] Fair Rename

[Allen]

I have read all of these suggestion posts and Mike Hart makes a lot of sense and while a name is important
I feel that the ability to identify and feel part of group is far more important. While installation of Linux on a
new users machine as well as wireless challenges etc are extremely important they must in my estimation
be done from a mentor perspective and not "watch me its easy" Reluctant to compare NTLUG with church, but we choose because we are comfortable there and can identify. Sadly I live 85 miles away so I go infrequently and probably should not even get into the discussion.
An 80 year old who truly Thrives on Linux

 

 


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Hart <just_mike_y at yahoo.com>
To: NTLUG Discussion List <discuss at ntlug.org>
Sent: Tue, May 3, 2011 4:02 pm
Subject: Re: [NTLUG:Discuss] Fair Rename


I'm concerned that we keep debating "Free vs expensive software" or "open vs 

closed".  To me this line of thinking attracts the wrong type of attention: the 

type that thinks bittorrent used to trade copyrighted content is the ultimate 

goal of the FSF.  To work around this stereotype, I suggest again that a 

different direction is a good idea. Take the licensing scheme away and focus on 

the usability, costs, and returns of something. But...  you need that something: 

a subject. Linux doesn't have a subject when it comes to cost (without using 

FREE and all it's related negative associations), and usability is so widespread 

that it includes everything with a power cord.  



I fear the draw to show up falls apart when you take away GNU and Linux unless 

you provide a replacement cohesive subject. Narrow the focus slightly so it fits 

into the venue and provides a focus for the fair. That is, we're going to have a 

desktop apps conference, or media apps conference, or networking apps, etc.   

Once, we have a focus like that, the operating system and licensing 

automagically take a back seat.  Linux (or something like it) doesn't need to be 

in the title. You can set any proprietary and linux solution side by side: linux 

based solutions are going to look pretty good when you consider everything, but 

that's the result and not the title of the show.  



All that said about narrowing the focus, the alternative is also possible. The 

general 'techno show' version that works grows exponentially (probably beyond 

the resources we are commited to providing.) If we do want to stick with a 

completely open forum (a COMDEX of sorts), it needs to be able to grow to work 

at all. Consider that vendor solicitations should include hardware, software, 

education, and solution providers, as well as area clubs including ourselves. 

Attendance solicitations should include as many area businesses as we can work 

in. 





Example 'no subject' Title:



       NTUGC (*) presents the 

Texas Technology Tomorrow Summit

              Metro-Tech 2011:

-------------------------------------------------------

  Emerging Metroplex Technologies



________________________________

(*) NTUGC - North Texas User Group Community



________________________________

(**) Metro-Tech is currently in use by several companies, so none of them can 

claim it exclusively. However,  wrapping it with so many other words is 

necessary to avoid cease-desist trouble.



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