Ubuntu-au Obsolete? or needing a revamp?

[Mike]

Im an ubuntu user in Adelaide and have been mostly lurking on this list 
for ages now.

I would like to attend more release partys but I think they should be 
based somewhere we can get hold of internet access and have the space 
and power to get some PC's working to actually look at and celebrate the 
new release. Pubs are not ideal unless we book a function room, which 
requires commitment and probably cash + organisers.

Perhaps the Australian Loco can figure out who wants to do this in each 
capital city and co-ordinate centrally so that each release party works 
in a similar way and improves upon the last, also using it as an 
opportunity to show off ubuntu to your non-ubuntu friends whilst 
surrounded by other experienced people who can help them with any inquiries.


Cheers,

Mike

Dave Hall wrote:
> Hi Scott,
>
> On Thu, 2009-09-03 at 17:18 +1000, Scott Evans wrote:
>   
>> Is it still fair to say that Australia still has an "active" ubuntu
>> team?
>>
>> It seems that the proposed monthly meeting have failed, if a call for
>> help goes out on #ubuntu-au it generally goes unanswered as the person
>> doing the asking is in need of a quick answer and possibly leaves
>> assuming no-one wants to help them.
>>     
>
> I look at the list every day or so depending on work demands.  I
> currently subscribe to about 30 lists of varying traffic levels.
>
> I have been a Linux desktop user for many years - I run warty on my 2nd
> desktop :)
>
> Supporting Linux desktops isn't easy, each person's setup is different.
> Look at Rob's recent thread on his vodafone HSDPA modem.  I have a fair
> bit of experience using 3G modems with Linux, I am about to by my 7th
> modem, and sign my 6th contract.  If he had have email another week I
> may not have had time to put the effort in.
>
> Lets look at the "quick answer" issue for a minute.  Most users pay
> nothing for ubuntu.  They pay around $200 for a copy of Windows on a new
> PC.  with either option there is no offer of free support.  If people
> want a quick answer, they can always pay for one.  
>
> I am a big user of FOSS.  If I want an SLA, I buy the commercial*
> version, or pay for a support contract.  At the same time, I know where
> to find a lot of info, so when I can I "spend" my time, not cash on
> getting support.
>
> On a few occassions I have had beer delivered to people on the other
> side of the world after getting help with critical issues.
>
> The software is free as in freedom (and beer too), but the support isn't
> included, that is a bonus.
>
> Note: * commercial doesn't mean proprietary.  In some cases it does, but
> there is loads of commercial open source out there too.
>
>   
>> What I'm hoping to achieve here is constructive comments/criticism of
>> the current state of ubuntu-au and hopefully get some activity
>> happening again... (may just be banging my head against a brick wall!)
>>     
>
> Go for it.  But have a clear plan on what _you_ plan to do for the
> community.  Don't do something expecting there to be a bunch of others
> with the same motivations and time as you.  If others don't jump on
> board, it doesn't mean they think you are wrong, hate you etc etc, they
> may have more important things to do or lack the technical skills etc.
>
>   
>> Currently the ubuntu-au mailing list averages about 25-75 spam emails
>> a day! and it's rare to see a valid request (from mirrored sources of
>> this list) also they are generally requests for help. I realise that
>> not everyone is at their PC 24/7 or active on IRC but if I was asked
>> as to the current involvement of ubuntu-au I'd be hard pressed to give
>> an  truthful answer to it meaning as currently it achieves very little
>> (IMHO)
>>
>> So please bring forth a plethora of suggestion/ideas & comments... 
>>
>> I am but one... as many we are a community...  lets make it "happen"
>>     
>
> I will contribute when I have time, but I have very little time
> available this month.  My "community" time this month will be spent
> converting the local community run internet cafe from windows to ubuntu
> - well most of the machines.  I will also be launching the drupal
> powered community website - http://newstead.vic.au.  Finally I will
> rolling out a free wifi network in the CBD of my town.  
>
> October will mostly be spent travelling for business.  Somewhere in
> there I need to make time for my family.  Explaining to yet another
> person that the < $100 inkjet printer they bought is a useless
> winprinter isn't even on the radar.
>
> I hope you are still reading to here.  I have been involved in FOSS
> projects for almost 10 years.  I hate to see people with energy get
> discouraged, we need fresh faces, new blood, different directions.  At
> the same time, you should be stepping up to do something, not stepping
> up to tell others what to do.  Be brave, take the jump.  See where you
> end up.  I wish you the best.  Be prepared to put in the hard yards.
>
> Cheers
>
> Dave
>
> PS Please consider dropping the 2 images from your signature and using
> plain text for the list, that would bring your ~40k message down to
> <4k :)
>
>
>