I believe the modern Linux Distribution has passed the mark of being a
"hobby" to a mainstream OS with plenty of support material on the Internet.
Both, Linux and the Internet, have matured and are credible alternatives
sources of information gathering. Instead of going to the Library for
information, we jump on the Internet and save time. I bet if you do a trend
analysis of library usage it would be inversely proportional to usage on the
Internet. Similarly, why go to a LUG to get info, when each distro has it's
own wiki and user's forum.
The reason to have meetings is to be social. Everybody is social. Although
I have no basis of fact, Linux aficionados are probably less social because
we would rather break and fix stuff compared to the typical computer newbie
who needs hand holding to set up their Outlook Express to get email.
The need for LUGs is still present, but I think the beast has matured. Like
a family that grows, each distro has it's specific likes and personality.
Perhaps we should re-organize based on skill level or distribution.
Personally, I think Ubuntu is fine for a beginner, I prefer Fedora and
Slackware because they're more customizable.
Distrowatch had a good article last month about distro hopping trends:
http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20070611#feature which underscores
the need for LUGs - people need info and person hands-on training to further
their Linux knowledge.
I think we need much discussion on this.
On 7/7/07, Michael Fisher <desnotes@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I think there is still a need for LUGS and have been disappointed at the
> attendance and the interest in the Tampa SLUG meetings I attended. Despite
> the trend that Linux is easier to install/use and basic information is at
> our fingertips, what about discussion of new ideas regarding Linux OS and
> Linux applications?
>
> I personally do not believe that all possible modifications for Linux OS
> are exhausted and I think everyone would agree that there is still a need
> for more applications. If Linux distributions had 50%+ market share there
> would still be a need for applications.
>
> I have my own idea for a FOSS project that I am pursuing. I have had no
> success in trying to find anyone interested in collaborating, let alone
> anyone with any specialized experience.
>
> Maybe the big projects like Debian, Ubuntu, OpenOffice, etc. are drawing
> most of the individuals and there is no longer interest in LUGS, but I hope
> this is not so.
>
> Michael Fisher
> desNotes@gmail.com
>
> On 7/7/07, Tina Gasperson < tinahdee@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > On 7/7/07, Pete Theisen < petetheisen@verizon.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Tina!
> > >
> > > Bunch of guys who like computers, sports and beer too much to have any
> > time
> > > (money?) for girls? I think the LUG serves a social need.
> >
> > Granted, but if that's the case why is there a general downward trend
> > in attendance?
> >
> >
> > You are correct
> > > that the internet fills a lot of support function.
> > > --
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Pete
> > > http://www.pete-theisen.com/
> > >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Youth is fleeting
> > Character is for a lifetime
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > This list is provided as an unmoderated internet service by Networked
> > Knowledge Systems (NKS). Views and opinions expressed in messages
> > posted are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the
> > official policy or position of NKS or any of its employees.
> >
>
>
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