New Memphis Linux/Unix User Group mailing list

[Harold Schreckengost]

And again, hi everyone!

To prevent any further issues, I've created a proper Memphis Linux/Unix User Group mailing list on Google Groups.

It can be accessed here: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/memphisunix

I would encourage everyone who still has an interest in the Memphis Linux and Unix communities to join.

Thanks again!

HMS

[Ed Stafford]

Harold,

First, I'd like to thank you for taking the time and effort to rekindle the GOLUM group and expand it out a bit more.  With MacOS being what it is these days, I think that changing the name over was an appropriate measure and might mean more to those new people that would like to join.

GOLUM had a long run of just over 10 years of activity.  I know I spent a very long time with it hosting the site, running the mailing lists for ages, held office, given well over 100 lectures for the group.  The revival that was done with Rob, Joe, and others, I had high hopes for.  I was just burned out from it.  That attempt, however, showed me that there just wasn't a large enough interest in the group to continue.  I've honestly chalked it up to Linux being far easier to get into these days than it was when linuxdocs.org was one of the few sources for HOW-TO information.  There's no fault, but the need that the group filled had been met by other methods.  It had a great run.

Now, I'm going to solidly agree with Joe that any bylaws from past days is no longer valid.  Presenting those old bylaws might be useful to Harold if he decides to write something up for a formal group, so thanks for that.

I did not ask or state on the list that I was handing it over because, frankly, other than maybe 3 posts a year and some recruiters - there was zero activity.  That's been the constant for the past 5 years, roughly.

There will always be a place in my heart for this group, but it's time is done.

So, if you're interested in what Harold's putting together, I would recommend joining up with him as he's taking initiative.  I have no issues letting someone else take the reigns and glad that someone's willing.

So thanks, again, Harold!

-- 

Ed Stafford

[Scott Dowdle]

Greetings,

Just wanted to put in my 2 cents... as an outsider... former Memphian who has been in Montana since 1986.... I can tell you about the Montana area Linux User Groups. Before I start talking about Montana just wanted to mention that I was a member of M*A*S*H from 1983-1985... the Memphis Atari Systems Hobbyists. Looks like the "Ataribox" will be Linux-based. Anyway...

I've been the head of the Bozeman LUG since about 2005. I was one of the original founders of the Yellowstone Valley LUG in 1998 in Billings. YVLUG got renamed to Billings LUG. Anyway... we have never done anything formal. No officers, no elections, no by-laws, no dues; It has always been very informal... but we have had various websites and mailing lists... and trips to LinuxFest Northwest... and some "installfests" in the early days.

I'm 53 and loathe social media and I do not have a cell phone (flip nor smart). I certainly understand and respect those things, I'm just not interested in them for myself... and I'm cheap too. As a result, the BozemanLUG doesn't have any social media presence. I'm sure there are some who think I'm being silly... by ignoring that stuff... and ignoring an excellent opportunity. Anyway, that's a different discussion.

GOLUM was a fairly neat acronym but what it stood for was a bit broken English. Group of Linux Users Memphis? How about Memphis LUG? Oh... but what about the people from Mississippi and Arkansas and people who don't live within the Memphis city limits? Mid-South LUG? Really? It's a group for the entire Mid-South? Anyway, who cares what you call it? Tack Unix in there too... sure. No problem. :)

Anyway, I'd recommend to keep the group going... be informal. Don't worry about strictly technical topics and do things like have fun. Some meetings we just watch a movie... usually about something technology related (Citizenfour, for example). If a meeting place costs money, find another, free meeting place... who wants dues? Libraries are usually friendly. The BozemanLUG meets in the CS Department conference room at MSU Bozeman because I work there and have keys. :)

Need a slogan? How about "Make Linux Great Again". Just kidding. Since I've been involved in Linux groups since the late 90s I have a bit of swag... and lots of Red Hat red hats. I like to wear a red hat when riding my bike... and people from a distance think I'm wearing a MAGA hat. Hell no. Then one of my friends printed out on paper, "Make Linux Great Again" and taped to my hat. Argh. Sorry for the tangent.

Anyway, quit griping at people and give them a hand.

TYL,
--
Scott Dowdle
704 Church Street
Belgrade, MT 59714
(406)388-0827 [home]
(406)994-3931 [work]