[ILUG] AGM Annoucement - again

[Niall Walsh]

Niall O Broin wrote:

> There as recently much discussion about ILUG, the AGM and where it is 
> going. Part of that discussion was certainlt an implied criticism that 
> ILUG should be doing more (though more what was not clearly stated). 
> As part of a response to this I said:
>
>> If there is any particular issue you'd like to see presented at the 
>> AGM (I'm talking about a technical kind of presentation) please let 
>> us know ASAP. If you have a particular speaker in mind, please do 
>> say.  We do have a little bit of cash in the bank, so bringing in a 
>> non Irish based speaker from a particular project in which you're 
>> interested is not out of the question, but we are running very short 
>> of time.
>
>
> and to date the response to his has been underwhelming. In fact, it 
> has been non-existent. Nada. Zilch. Nichts. Rien. Not a bloody sausage.

I wouldn't really support tacking talks to the AGM to get attendence so 
I didn't suggest anyone.   I would have thought you would have recieved 
plenty of suggestions like RMS, ESR, Linus or Bill Gates if not anything 
useful!

>
> Is this an indicator of how much interest ILUG really has in "doing 
> more". Or is it just a case of "if you build it they will come"? But 
> who exactly will build it, and what should they build, given ZERO 
> input from those who might come?
>
Very good first and last questions!   Does ILUG (that's anyone reading 
this) have no interest in doing more?   How can anyone do anything with 
ZERO input!

So good I just had to repeat it!

> From the point of view of the AGM we currently have one speaker lined 
> up to give what 'm sure will be a very interesting presentation about 
> Asterisk, the Linux based PBX/SIP gateway, by Martin List-Petersen. 
> The presentation will include a demonstration of Asterisk using some 
> of Martin's equipment and gateways in the real world.
>
> Asterisk is I know a subject in which a number of members of ILUG have 
> expressed an interest. However,  it has a steep learning curve, so 
> come along to the AGM and get roped up to an experienced leader.
>
That sounds excellent, looking forward to it.

I've been trying to hold back on responding to every possible taunt on 
this thread to see where ILUG would take it.   There seems to be a group 
who are quite happy with the way it is and another (probably smaller if 
that is possible) group who would like to see more (of something, though 
no-one has expressed any ideas yet).   The vast majority of people 
reading (or ignoring) this are silent.

What there has been is talk on the idea of making updating the site more 
friendly.   Also it's been suggested we have a working format for 
meetings/talks which has been let lapse.   Progress?

Just talking real world possibilities, ideas which _could_ be tried include:

A protest against software patents before the next relevant votes in the 
EU parliment or Council of Ministers
A lan party! Bring your machine, get help, show and tell, hack, chat, 
game, whatever you want.   I'd love to work on remastering an Ilug 
LiveCD at such a venue (if anyone wanted to attend).
Have a series of open "Do you want Linux" talks around the country 
(perhaps in libraries) and then follow them up with a reasonably local 
"installfest". Preferably develop the format and then "package" it so 
local ethusiasts can run it wherever and whenever around the country.

Am I going to organise all of these, NO!   But I will either take one of 
them on or help out with whatever idea seems to have the best chance of 
success given the support (or lack of) from the ILUG as a whole, or 
more.  Perhaps just revitalising the old talks is all we should try for now?

Given the responses to my postings for the Begineers Linux Guide, and 
Niall O'Broin's comments on his response regarding a speaker, I am not 
expecting to be overwhelmed with responses from people volunteering 
ideas and assistance to do anything!  I'd like to be proved wrong!

Niall Walsh