Hmmm...I think that with the distros being not only easier to
install, but also because they are GUI, it's easier for people to
reach out for help without having to leave home. Before GUI, or
before easy GUI, you had a command line chat program that you had to
find out how to use, and manuals to read...the ONLY way to figure out
some of this was to talk to people in person. Besides, hardware
itself is a lot cheaper to get: you can buy new for $500, or buy used
for $50 or $100. So, you can have a machine just for Linux, and your
pre-installed Windows PC for reaching out for help, instead of having
your only machine be dedicated to a not-completely working system.
I like hanging around others who know what I'm talking about. I just
can't seem to make it to many meetings. Maybe LUGs are turning out to
be like other computer group meetings. People use their computers and
OS as tools...since the tool works, there isn't much enthusiasm for
plumbing its depths. People don't get together for Craftsman tools to
talk about how great the tool is, they don't talk about what they do
with the tools...people might get together to talk about cool wood
projects they've done, and how they did it...or watch the New Yankee
Workshop on PBS...
Just some thoughts...
Russell
On Jul 7, 2007, at 12:56 PM, Tina Gasperson wrote:
> I'm doing some research for a feature story at Linux.com. What better
> place to solicit wise counsel than from my local LUG discussion list?
> Besides, I think it will make an interesting conversation. I'm talk to
> other LUGs around the country as well, receiving some great responses
> from LXNY, ALE, and others. If you remember, The Atlanta Linux
> Enthusiasts used to sponsor the Atlanta Linux Showcase.
>
> With the recent absorbing of the Brandon SLUG meeting back into the
> main meeting, along with some discussion on the list about how to
> generate more interest / publicity in the group overall, we started
> thinking: in this advanced day of encyclopedic knowledge at everyone's
> fingertips on the 'Net, do we still need LUGs? Linux is much easier to
> install and use these days, and interest seems to have turned from the
> operating system itself to the applications that run on it. That's one
> theory as to the greater buzz surrounding specialized groups like
> those for Asterisk or other open source utility and enterprise apps.
>
> What do the smart people think? Please remember that I am soliciting
> your comments as part of my research for the story, so if you want to
> possibly be part of the story, please respond either to the list or to
> me personally.
>
> Tina
> www.linux.com
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