Richmond Computes: past and future

[Mark Stosberg]

Richmond Computes launched in April, 2006. I'd estimate that we have
considerably more people using Linux and desktop open source software
since then. That's a success.

However, our Google Group has been rather quiet. Less than 20 people
have signed up, and less than 20 discussion have happened here since
the launch. I've fielded a number of support request personally. I
could have referred some of this people here, but the directions
weren't that simple: "Go to RichmondComputes.org. Click on the "Share"
tab, then the "browse our archives" tab for the Google Group, then if
your question isn't already answered, sign up for a Google account and
ask your question"

Today I re-organized the site navigation to emphasize the basics of
what the group is about, as well as emphasizing the support mailing
list. There is now a new "Support" tab on every page which links
directly to the Google group. More basic content is now highlighted on
the front page as well. So, it should be easier to refer people to the
site to get support now: "Just go to richmondcomputes.org and follow
the 'Support' link".

There have been a number of related blog posts on
richmondcomputes.org, but I can't say they've been a local
attraction. Since most of the blog posts have neither a local focus
or a primarily local audience, I'm considering moving the blog posts I
made back to my personal site and not adding more at
richmondcomputes.org. That may be help clarify that the site is about
getting start with open source and getting local support. If people
want to read related blog posts, they are all over the internet, and
local bloggers can be found if people care to.

We've organized no events. I'm even less personally likely to get
events organized now that I'm putting more energy into
bikerichmond.org, as well as new energy into being a parent. If
someone else wants to open-source related events for Richmond: great.

We'll see if these tuning result in a more useful and effective
resource. Other ideas are welcome, especially if you are willing to
help implement your suggestions. :)