[TriLUG] just to clarify a few points about meetings ...

[Jon Carnes]

Darn it, I had written almost the exact same message (except I was lobbying 
for more people to run for the SC...)

This is a great idea, and is a necessary part of the Linux scene that 
TriLUG has not ventured into yet.  Your outline below is perfect, and not 
only do I volunteer to talk about integrating Linux into a real business 
(using HAHT as an example), but I volunteer HAHT's meeting space for the 
gathering, as well as a tour of our facilities.

Jon

>
> I realize you said you'd brought this up before (and had had a negative
> experience back then) but I think that the other guys around here have
> it pretty spot-on. You clearly have what we (mostly) all feel is a "good
> idea" and a great evangelizing project for TriLUG. At the same time,
> ideas are pretty cheap, and it takes someone with personal drive to make
> ideas turn into real life events. I think that's what several here have
> suggested.
>
> Don't run for the SC. Really. Here's what I'd do:
>
> - I think that lots can be done as just a member of the TriLUG with the
> blessing of the SC. Tell them what you want to do. ("I want to get a
> group of 5 executives to come in and see TriLUG members give demos of
> Linux applications that can help in real-life businesses.")
> - Tell the SC what you need from them. ("Jon, can you give a demo of
> how you have integrated Linux at HAHT? Kevin... Bill... etc. Can you
> send out a SC-signed email saying we want demonstrations? What month can
> I schedule this for?")
> - Then get it all together
>  * set up the people and the presentations way ahead of time, and make
> sure they're prepared professionally
>  * recruit some TriLUGGers to pick up the execs and bring them to the
> meeting
>  * you take control of the meeting, and set the tone. Seats at the front
> reserved for execs. Questions from the audience after each presentation.
>  * send an email to the list ahead of time emphasizing that this will be
> a somewhat more serious meeting than usual, but also that members will
> have an opportunity to chat with (potentially hiring) execs afterwards
> because you're going to keep the entire set of demos to 45 minutes tops.
>
> None of this requires you to be an SC (as was suggested earlier). We
> need someone that has a vision to get this done, and you're the most
> obvious person, since you've already got a passion for it. We'll help,
> but we need someone to give it form and structure and tell us our
> assigned duties.
>
> Just my 2¢
>
> Regards,
> matt