Re: [MLUG] meetings/expo

[yoda <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

Trying to bind with other organizations is a good thing, too. I think 
one of the reasons we have trouble attracting people is that we're 
putting up posters aimed at geeks. Not to be critical or anything, but 
for example I don't think most people have 'old computers' lying around. 
They've gotten rid of them or something if they're that old. Multiple 
computers is mostly a tech thing (IMO).

If we want to attract people to MLUG, don't just say 'Linux' on the 
poster. Attach it to something they want to do. Also, 'free' isn't 
really all that impressive, because most people think they got Windows 
'free' with their computer.

NIC installs are a wonderful idea. Even if we just install them on 
Windows boxen. It's good income, especially since 'Linux geeks' are 
credible to the average student (at least in computer matters).

And one more thing. I don't know most of the people on this list, except 
by their messages, and I don't keep track of who said what too well. I 
want to go do something as a group, even if it's not Linux-related. My 
thoughts are, make contact, then go technical. We could go to a movie or 
go bowling or go to a park or something. It's not tre-geeky, but I, as 
I'm sure most everyone else on this list does, have other identities, too.

Most people who are looking into technical things have heard of Linux. 
We need to reach people that may not have really thought about it much 
until now.

Igor Izyumin Jr. wrote:

>>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.
>


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