Many thanks to those who've emailed me privately to express broad agreement to the ideas I've raised. Ill get around to replying to list comments when I get a chance.
I'd like to make a further suggestion. One reason speakers may be less willing to step forward to talk at group meetings is the difficulty of providing computers for use in their demonstrations. Perhaps ALUG should provide them?
If we provide speakers with one or two computers a few weeks before the meeting, then they can load them with their OS and relevant software for their discussion or demo well in advance. The advantage of this is that their own equipment does not need to be disassembled and transported, and at the meetings group members can experiment with the computers and test software after the talk, without fear of compromising private files or important work. Therefore the speakers equipment will not be risked.
The best solution would be for the next speaker to collect the machines after an earlier group meeting, but if this is not possible then I'd be happy to deliver them (let's say Norfolk) at a convenient time to the home of speaker. I could also store a few machines in between whiles if this was necessary.
I have one old machine in my loft and will be retiring another in a month or two, and would be happy to donate them. Perhaps over time group members upgrading could donate their old systems to the group rather than bin them, and this way the group can gradually update the stock. Maybe some businesses could also be persuaded help with old gear.
Even if a meeting had no speaker a number of group machine could be set up so we can all try out different software.
Taking the idea further still, once a reasonable number of computers were obtained by the group then demonstrations or open days become possible - even to schools!
Colin
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I'd like to make a further suggestion. One reason speakers may be less willing to step forward to talk at group meetings is the difficulty of providing computers for use in their demonstrations. Perhaps ALUG should provide them?
Colin No idea if this has been an issue in the past as arranging speakers etc is not something I've done yet - only been doing any meting arrnaging etc for a few weeks - but it is a very interesting suggestion and it will be great to see it followed up. Many thanks for offering to do this.
Syd
From Colin Hards Thursday, July 10, 2003 7:38 PM:
...
The best solution would be for the next speaker to collect the machines after an earlier group meeting, but if this is not possible then I'd be happy to deliver them (let's say Norfolk) at a convenient time to the home of speaker. I could also store a few machines in between whiles if this was necessary.
...
I have one old machine in my loft and will be retiring another in a month or two, and would be happy to donate them. Perhaps over time group members upgrading could donate their old systems to the group rather than bin them,
An excellent idea and, as you say, a good way to make use of some of the old bits and bobs we all seem to accumulate. We have some old monitors here a work I think I can get one or two of if they'd be of use.
I think you've put your finger on the important thing which is having someone who's able to store the stuff and co-ordinate its use. This could turn out to be a bit time consuming for you, is that going to cause you any problems in the longer term?
Just a thought, how would having this kit in you home (I'm presuming that that's where you'd be keeping it meantime's) affect your household insurance cover? It might be worth checking that out, just in case it compromises you in some way (having been involved with something similar with the BCS in Berkshire, I know how funny insurance companies can be about this sort of thing).
Regards,
Keith ____________ Where does a wise man look for pebbles? On a beach. Where does the wise man hide a leaf? In a forest. G.K. Chesterton
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Colin Hards -
Keith Watson -
Syd Hancock