Re: [MLUG] meetings/expo

["Igor Izyumin Jr." <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

> I would suggest trying to become a part of larger events with more than 1
> organization - that way there are more people (and resources) available.
> Maybe it would be simpler to start with the activities mart (that thing at
> lowery mall every fall, although too late now) and then work up to an expo.
> The expo seems to have failed for two years in a row.
True.  The real problem is that people are lazy, busy, or don't care.  If we 
do something smaller-scale but more often, we could get a LOT more interest 
and put less effort and time into it.

> I also know that the arcade in brady commons sponsers game tournaments
> (quake 3 too) every now and then - perhaps mlug could join with them to
> showcase the technology behind the games (ie, linux) or at least bring some
> linux equipment to play on. Brady could provide prizes. The guy that runs
> the place is pretty cool - I'm sure he wouldn't mind joining up for
> something.
That would be cool, since that would actually draw some people towards linux 
and mlug.  There are a lot of people I know that love playing games and 
computer stuff.  If they can actually see the benefits Linux provides, they 
might become interested.

> Another idea - take out tables in different dorms (or in brady-right in
> front of computer spectrum would be great) to showcase and promote linux.
> Let students know they can get good productive software for free and show
> them how to get it. Perhaps even perform a free service(such as installing
> a nic, or linux) while you're there (doesn't have to be a large scale
> event).
Yep.  That would be great.  I like the idea of having it in Brady.  A better 
idea IMO would be to first have a showcase / kiosk which would simultaneously 
be advertising for an installathon kind of thing a week or so later.  That 
would actually get people interested enough that they might actually come.  
We would also want to put informational posters and stuff around the kiosk 
things (like "what is Linux?", "what do I need to run Linux?", "What is 
MLUG?", "Benefits of Linux", etc.).  The key would be setting it all up with 
enough info and in a place likely to attract students.  Where you suggested 
would be ideal, but it might be hard to get.

> yet another idea - home networks are becoming a big thing with all kinds of
> students. Perhaps MLUG can host a 'home networking' event and involve a
> broader range of people.
That would be very good, since linux is REALLY good for that and superior to 
every other product I've seen.  We would probably want to set up a demo 
thing.  We also would need to choose a router distro that's compatible with 
new network modules (like pegasus and natsemi chipsets) and has an EASY TO 
USE interface.  A patched version of e-smith would be excellent.  Finally, I 
suggest something like "bring an old pentium box with a hard drive" 
advertisement campaign thing.  Then we could dig out some ancient ne2k-based 
ISA network cards, and some PCI cards and install one or two of them into 
machines for a reasonable price (like $15-20), then install Linux on it, and 
the person would have a reasonable box with webserver, ftp, storage and 
netsharing capabilities.  What do you all think?

> These events would be easier to pull off (and cost a lot less) than an
> expo. However, if they are to be successful, I think we need more
> advertising than the email list or the website (ie, flyers, posters, or
> even asking IATs to post annoucements on desktops in the labs).
Yep.  That's the main problem we have.  I have not seen *one person* other 
than members of MLUG that came to our last geekfest.  Probably posting 
announcements around campus would be the best idea.  Somewhere like computer 
lab bulletin boards would be excellent too.  Another idea would be asking 
computer spectrum or somebody to post announcements near their stores. I 
don't know how feasible that is, though.
-- 
-- Igor
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