[ale] Ale Ideas

[Brian]

Tom,

This is one of those sometimes difficult areas where one side has the
knowledge, but doesn't realize where folks need help, and the other
side needs help, and yet, doesn't know what to ask.  Also, it may be a
function of two different "generations" within the LUG.

Many LUGs (and I'd probably say, user groups in general) have been
dealing with this problem as well -- a core of older members have
their interests and keep talking about more and more involved stuff,
while the newly minted users are still wondering how to do basic
tasks.  The regulars might not want to sit through a presentation
going over stuff they've long learned and moved on from, but the new
folks might be clueless as to

I think the Central meeting has done a pretty good job of this with
the "Tip Jar" [1] and "Switchboard" [2] part of the meetings.  That's
not to say we can't work a little harder at meeting in the middle at
times, and perhaps actively seeking newer users and outright asking
what they may need help with.  More work, but it might also help bring
these folks in (or keep them coming to meetings).

It is something I have been mulling around in my head the last couple
of weeks as I am looking to restart the ALE Northeast meetings, and
unfortunately, I haven't gotten an idea that seems really strong.  So
the best i can do is perhaps listen to a few more new folks and see
how we can accommodate them.


Brian

Notes, as stolen from the ALE Twiki:
[1] Tip Jar: The idea is to have very small presentations of around 10
minutes in length that are a quick tip on how to do something. We
could even have a receptacle for people to place tips in that we could
read. Other times, someone could go up and demo some quick thing.

[2] Switchboard: The Switchboard is a long standing ALE tradition. At
the end of the meeting, everyone is invited to ask a question. The
rest of the attendees try to answer it. No question is too small or
too big. ALE has many knowledgable members who will try to solve your
problem.



2008/1/29 tom hawks <tommyhhawks2003 at yahoo.com>:
> I was talking more about presentation ideas.
>
> a lot of younger/novice users might like ways to make Linux easier to use.
>
> Tom
>
>
>  ________________________________
> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
> _______________________________________________
> Ale mailing list
> Ale at ale.org
> http://www.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
>