Re: How to promote Plug's value - was: Are Social Networks .…

>>   * Make the barriers to LUG membership as low as possible.
>>   * Make the LUG's Web site a priority: Keep all information current,
>>     make it easy to find details about meetings (who, what, and where),
>>     and make contact information and feedback mechanisms prominent.
>>   * Install distributions for anyone who wants it.
>>   * Post flyers, messages, or handbills wherever computer users are in
>>     your area.
>>   *** Secure dedicated leadership.
>>    * Follow Linus Torvalds's /benevolent dictator/ model of leadership.
>>   ******* Take the big decisions to the members for a vote.
>>   * Start a mailing list devoted to technical support and ask the
>>     "gurus" to participate on it.
>>   * Schedule a mixture of advanced and basic, formal and informal,
>>     presentations.
>>   * Support the software development efforts of your members.
>>   *** Find way to raise money without dues: for instance, selling
>>  GNU/Linux merchandise to your members and to others.
>>   *** Consider securing formal legal standing for the group, such as
>>     incorporation or tax-exempt status.
>>   * Find out if your meeting place is restricting growth of the LUG.
>>   * Meet in conjunction with swap meets, computer shows, or other
>>     community events where computer users -- i.e., potential GNU/Linux
>>     users -- are likely to gather.
>>   *(**** Elect formal leadership for the LUG as soon as practical: Some
>>     helpful officers might include President, Treasurer, Secretary,
>>     Meeting Host (general announcements, speaker introductions, opening
>>     and closing remarks, etc.), Publicity Coordinator (handles Usenet
>>     and e-mail postings, local publicity), and Program Coordinator
>>     (organises and schedules speakers at LUG meetings).

>    ****** Provide ways for members and others to give feedback about the
>>     direction, goals, and strategies of the LUG.

>>     efforts by donating Web space, a mailing list, or an ftp site.
>>   * Establish an ftp/Web site for relevant software.
>>   ****** Archive everything the LUG does for the Web site.

>>   * Solicit "door prizes" from GNU/Linux vendors, VARs, etc. to give
>>     away at meetings.
>>   * Give credit where due.
>>   * Submit your LUG's information to all the LUG lists.
>>   * Publicise your meetings on appropriate Usenet groups and in local
>>     computer publications and newspapers.
>>   * Compose promotional materials, like PostScript files, for instance,

>>     members can use to help publicise the LUG at workplaces, bookstores,
>>     computer stores, etc.
>>   * Make sure you know what LUG members want the LUG to do.
>>   * Release press releases to local media outlets about any unusual LUG

>>     events like an Installation Fest, Net Day, etc.
>>   * Use LUG resources and members to help local non-profit organisations

>>     and schools with their Information Technology needs.
>>   * Advocate the use of our OS enthusiastically but responsibly.
>>   * Play to LUG members' strengths.
>>   * Maintain good relations with vendors, VARs, developers, etc.
>>   * Identify and contact consultants in your area.
>>   * Network with the leaders of other LUGs in your area, state, region,

>>     or country to share experiences, tricks, and resources.
>>   * Keep LUG members advised on the state of software -- new kernels,

>>     bugs, fixes, patches, security advisories -- and the state of the
>>     GNU/Linux world at large -- new ports, trademark and licensing
>>     issues, where Torvalds is living and working, etc.
>>   * Notify the Linux Documentation Project -- and other pertinent

>>     sources of GNU/Linux information -- about the documentation the LUG
>>     produces: technical presentations, tutorials, local HOWTOs, etc.