Starting a users' group

Matt Silberstein

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Sep 8, 1997, 3:00:00 AM9/8/97

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Does anyone have any experience starting a users' group? In my new
position I am probably going to be asked to start up a Lotus Notes
Users' Group in Pittsburgh, PA. This sounds like fun and a good idea.
Unfortunately I have not only not started such a group, I have not
participated much in them. Does anyone have any experience or, at
least, suggestions?

Matt Silberstein
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Jon Johnston

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Sep 8, 1997, 3:00:00 AM9/8/97

to Matt Silberstein

You might want to contact your local Lotus office. They typically have a
guide which can assist you in getting this going, as well as start
getting contacts together. No doubt others in your area have had the
same idea..... the Lotus office may be able to assist in putting
everyone together.

--
Jon Johnston
Creative Business Solutions
Messaging Consultants
Minneapolis, MN USA
612-544-1108
j...@msphub.com
http://www.msphub.com <---- Email/Messaging Solutions

JAlspach

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Sep 19, 1997, 3:00:00 AM9/19/97

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>> Does anyone have any experience starting a users' group?

I am on the board of DANUG Detroit Area Network User Group. I did not
start it. I can tell you a user group can be a great resource. We have a
SIG ( special interest group) called DNP Detroit Notes Professional. You
might try becoming a SIG of an already est user group. Then might have
resources like a newsletter you could tie into.

Good Luck!

Vance Jochim

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Sep 21, 1997, 3:00:00 AM9/21/97

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I have started several user groups, including the current Orange County Lotus Notes User Group.

First, check the user group section of www.lotus.com to get info from them - the UG rep is Karla Chronopoulos, and she can send some info.
She can also make an initial mailing to her list of registered customers to get some initial attendees.

I suggest no dues, thus no tax implications. Get someone to provide a meeting site, preferably with a color projector for laptops. Some groups start by meeting at local Lotus or IBM offices, then move to other locations.

Use email only to sent out meeting notices, thus not printing costs.

I have found that end user or power user groups are more interested in volunteering than "professional groups", thus you may not get much help.

Biggest challenge is being informed enough to track down speakers. You can start with "how to do it sessions". Do NOT expect to get much help from Lotus. You might be lucky to get one speaker a year from Cambridge. The local office is oriented to Corporate sales, and is so busy that they usually won't come to the meetings, unless you find a gung ho SE (Systems Engineer) who has time to demonstrate some products. Thus, speakers will either be local members or Business Partners, sales reps from Notes developers, or yourself.

Good luck
Vance Jochim
President, Orange County Notes User Group

On 19 Sep 1997 12:52:00 GMT, jals...@aol.com (JAlspach) wrote:

&>> Does anyone have any experience starting a users' group?
&
&I am on the board of DANUG Detroit Area Network User Group. I did not
&start it. I can tell you a user group can be a great resource. We have a
&SIG ( special interest group) called DNP Detroit Notes Professional. You
&might try becoming a SIG of an already est user group. Then might have
&resources like a newsletter you could tie into.
&
&Good Luck!

Vance Jochim
Remove the XX in the email address to respond (to prevent spam)
Lotus Notes contract consultant
Orange County, CA 714-662-2501