[ILUG] ilug not ilag ... was [way OT] Word 2003 problems...

[Éibhear]

Paul Jakma said:

> Sure. It's a different meaning of user (ie admin), or even just an
> abbreviated one: "technical user", as opposed to "end user".
>
> Better?

Not really.

There are many types of users that can come to this list with legitimate
questions. The user, brand new to GNU/Linux, who's having difficulty
accessing a USB thumb drive is an example. This is something that "just
works" on Windows and Mac OS X, but I've seen few Linux distros get it
right all the time. [Mandrake is the best with this, in my view.]

There are the users, also new, to want to muck about with installation and
configuring at home.

The users who are interested in learning how to compile in a module to use
a less-than-common device, support for which doesn't come with the
standard installation.

And so on.

There are the users who professionally develop software and applications
for the platform. These aren't admins in the main, but would have a strong
reason for using this list.

And finally the admins.

I am mostly an end-user with software and application development
requirements. At present, I have two reasons to venture into the realm of
admin: To configure my main system for an improved user experience, and
for playing with my other systems at home. I am not an admin by
profession, though I think I have a good understanding of the issues that
can arise.

Your manifesto for ILUG is more exclusionary than the regular "can we
close ILUG to prevent spammers" calls. It borders on elitist. It would be
a pity if a majority of ILUG subscribers agree with you. I, for sure,
would take my 11 years' extensive *use* of UNIX and Linux experience away
with me. I would not like to be a member of a group that would scorn my
contribution, little though it may be at times. With apologies to Groucho.

Éibhear


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Éibhear Ó hAnluain
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