Any time you have a technical group or technical training of any kind you always have the problem of different levels of experience in the group. For some you are just boring them to tears; for others it's so over their heads they can't even think of a question to ask.
You also get the thing where no one wants to appear stupid by asking a "dumb" question, meanwhile, half the room has the same question in their head but is also too embarassed to ask it. How we solved this in the Capital District Computer Enthusiasts was by having a pre-meeting that started 45 minutes before the regular meeting. This is where we'd go over only basic topics. Often, even the regulars would show up, as they could socialize quietly in the back or even perhaps learn something new. For example I thought I know all about search engines, but until I read it in PC World, I didn't realize that you could just type your google searches into the little window on the upper right of Firefox, rather than going to google.com. Then on one of these lists I found out that F11 was full screen viewing mode. You never know when you can pick up a little tip that can make your day easier. If CD-Lug meetings weren't on Saturdays at 3 when I'm always busy I'd go to more of them. If MVHLUG meetings were a little closer for me I'd go to more as well, especially in motorcycle riding weather. As for CDCE, I think they still meet, but they don't put out newsletters any more so I'm not so sure. When I took the MHVLUG survey I indicated programming was a topic I'd like to see more of. I know there are pay and free programs available for just about everything, but it's fun to get the computer to do just what you want it to do. And by programming I don't necessarily mean writing a compiler. It could be something simpler like office suite macros, or simple scripts, but I think the world would be a better place if everyone knew how to write a simple C or C++ program to read a file, do something useful, and save the results. I don't think that's too much to ask. I applaud the folks at MHVLUG for taking the time to try and make the club a real resource for those interested in Linux, free software, and more. -- Frank L. "Cranky Frankie" Palmeri, Risible Riding Raconteur & Writer “The blues is my business, and business is good.” - Etta James
_______________________________________________ Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group http://mhvlug.org http://mhvlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mhvlug Upcoming Meetings (6pm - 8pm) MHVLS Auditorium Feb 2 - Zimbra Mar 2 - MHVLUG 8th Anniversary - Show and Tell Apr 6 - Introduction to IPv6
