User Group Administration - Lessons From the Ohio LinuxFest

LXer Feature: 08-Oct-2006 In Charlotte, our Linux User Group is struggling, as others do, with getting our act together. While at the Ohio LinuxFest last weekend, I picked up a few interesting notes from the panel discussion about user group administration. I thought I would share what I learned, in the hopes that it might help your LUG, too.

Dan DeSloover led a panel discussion that involved leaders from various user groups across Ohio. It was obvious that some LUGs are more organized than others, and that administration and activities vary widely, depending on the local situation. The panel wrestled with issues that the Charlotte Linux User Group wrestles with, thus demonstrating that our situation is not at all unique. I'll discuss some of the various ways LUGs around Ohio address each issue.

One question involved cross-group interaction (or cross-pollination). Most LUGs seem to operate independently, with little or no interaction with other groups. Two groups that do occasionally share are the Lima and Toledo groups. There was discussion about an inter-LUG listserv that some folks use to share ideas across LUGs.

Then came discussion about the biggest challenge each LUG faces. The challenges mentioned range from finding speakers or topics to getting people just to show up. Communicating and consistency are two keys to getting people to show up. Newbie-focused groups tend to focus more on technical support, and frequently the issues raised by newbies can become the focus of discussion. On the other hand, too much focus on technical support can hinder the more advanced users, who frequently want to explore new and more advanced topics.

Finding content and presenters is another set of challenges. Some LUGs offer GPG/CA-Cert cross-signing to lure both speakers and members. At least 2 groups don't even use non-LUG members as speakers. Also, some LUGs keep the level of content mixed up, since presenting on advanced topics frequently causes novices to raise questions the presenter may not have anticipated. This helps the presenter become a better presenter. One LUG actually does setups, such as MythTV without any prior planning or experimentation. This gives members a chance to see what happens when things blow up, something that really benefits novices.

In order to really attract people, it is useful to present and demonstrate things that people can do at home. Additionally, showing off new GNU/Linux distributions seems to bring people in. As for meeting schedules, one LUG holds two meetings per month, one formal and one informal. Another uses alternating days each month, so a Saturday this month, and a Tuesday next month. Again, the theme of consistency reigned supreme. There is no magic formula; just set a schedule and stick with it. The important thing is that people know what to expect.

Meeting places are as widely varied as the challenges LUGs face. LUGs meet, or have met, in homes, churches, union halls, hotel conference rooms and restaurants. One LUG refuses to be tied to a commercial entity, having been burned by such a relationship before. Those that meet in restaurants seem to take advantage of the location for a dinner meeting. This gives people a chance to socialize over dinner, followed by a formal discussion. Most meetings never last longer than about two hours.

Finally, when it comes to the structure, most LUGs seem to have at least a semi-formal leadership structure in place, depending on the size. One small LUG uses the benevolent dictatorship approach, which will change as the LUG grows. Most LUGs, though, seem to have some sort of steering committee or leadership board, chosen by the members.

These are just a few of the tidbits I gleaned from the Ohio LinuxFest discussion on administering user groups. I would encourage people to attend the next LinuxFest, since there will be similar topics of interest. You can get a lot more out of actually attending than just reading over my meager notes. That said, I hope what I have made available here will help a struggling LUG somewhere, and maybe those who just could not travel all the way from California or Colorado to a geek party in Ohio.