introducing metalug

[Sy Ali]

On 10/29/06, David J Patrick <davidjpatrick-rieW9WUcm8FFJ04o6PK0Fg at public.gmane.org> wrote:
> It's a Linux User Group whose focus is Linux User Groups.
>
> As yet, it's all in my head, but I've taken the liberty of registering
> a few domains <snip>
>
> These will all be sister-sites, with seamless links in between, but
> clear and distinct separation of function. OTOH, a single domain, with
> sub-domains, may prove the saner way, and the other domains will
> simply re-direct. idonno.
>
> It's insanely ambitious, yes, but if we never start, it'll never happen.
> No sites have been set-up, no DNS pointed, no domain hosts chosen and
> this is the very first salvo. Do you like the idea ? Is it worth
> putting effort into ? Does it exist elsewhere ?

* What is the single main problem that you want to solve?
* What is the one single primary objective for your endeavour?
* How do you distinguish yourself from - or ally yourself to - others
who have in the past or are currently persuing similar goals?
* Where do you see yourself and this endeavour in 3 years?  How is it
used, and by who?


Example:

Problem: It's too difficult for a person to find a LUG.

Solution: Like some kind of twisted matchmaking website, provide a
directory of official and unofficial LUGs.  Generate info,
maps+directions and notes based on volunteer data entry.  Provide a
slick interface for a LUG or interested party to list themselves.

Possibly provide hosting for small startup LUGs.  Possibly provide a
cool custom CMS for meeting notes.

By providing that infrastructure, you are then able to set up an
interlug search engine, easily create references between meetings
across the country, share resources etc.

Absorb existing projects by hosting them or redirecting to them for
free.  For example, a LUG meeting calendar feature which someone else
has worked on could find a new cozy home.

A semi-private contact database could be maintained, for easier
interlug discussions.  I.e. be the one place people would logically
look if someone asks themselves "I want to set up a conference, and
get people all across the country there.. who do I talk to to get user
groups involved?"

In 3 years
- be the #1 hit for "Linux User Group <small town>"
- absorb the linux self-registration concept and expand it to include
a meetup.com-style profile so that Linux users can answer questions
like..

-- I want to move to a small town.  I want to find one which has Linux
users.  Where, in the northeast side of BC, are the most Linux users?

-- I'm going on vacation.. is there a local LUG I can drop in on?
When's their next meeting, and what's it on?

--+

Focus yourself more strongly.  Without some kind of explanation for
what the idea is all about, you yourself won't have enough substance
to push on, to drive it forward.
--
The Toronto Linux Users Group.      Meetings: http://gtalug.org/
TLUG requests: Linux topics, No HTML, wrap text below 80 columns
How to UNSUBSCRIBE: http://gtalug.org/wiki/Mailing_lists