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<TITLE>RE: [GRLUG] GRLUG meetings</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>I actually joined GRLUG because I don't know anything about Linux. I work at Baker Furniture and if you've heard the news lately, Baker is leaving Grand Rapids slowly between now & the year 2008. I might be one of the lucky ones to stay until 2008, but thought I'd make my time productive and start learning something new. Plus, I'm trying to do more "networking" out with other IT folks in the Grand Rapids area in preparation of job searching.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Maybe one of the meetings can deal with us rookies new to Linux. I'm ready to start soaking up information.</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>So, Brad....you grew up in Greenville? I own land on a lake near there. Ever hear of Chain Lakes just off of Morgan Mills Road (south of M57)? My cottage is the "pop-up" style. Otherwise known as the camper.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Linda Guth</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Technical Analyst - Baker Furniture</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>-----Original Message-----</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>From: grlug-bounces@grlug.org [<A HREF="mailto:grlug-bounces@grlug.org">mailto:grlug-bounces@grlug.org</A>] On Behalf Of brad</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 5:07 PM</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>To: grlug@grlug.org</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Subject: [GRLUG] GRLUG meetings</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Maybe it would be good to identify some of the reasons people join GRLUG, then it might be easier to meet the needs of current members, encourage new members to join and have larger gatherings that attract newcomers. (The more the merrier!)</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>I joined this mailing list for three main reasons.</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>1. The open-source movement encourages co-operation and communication between people all over the world. Something the world desperately needs.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>The open-source concept is spilling over into other areas of technology. Did you ever hear of OScar? Take a look at this website.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="http://www.theoscarproject.org/" TARGET="_blank">http://www.theoscarproject.org/</A></FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>2. Small rural school districts are always starving. Any software that can help keep costs down is appreciated.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>3. I love Linux.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>4. The social connection is probably more important than anything I will here. Even though I have only met a few of you, you all seem like friends. I am not a technician, so I am slowly learning bits and pieces, and I learn best through human interaction. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Like they always say...our children are our future...Kids love technology and new software. Anything that can be done to show kids the beauty of open-source software, and linux, should be done. I think it great when we can bring high schoolers and college kids on board.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Maybe we should advertise GRLUG meetings at local universities and pass out some free liveCDs, put some posters on bulletin boards with a little description of what Linux is, and why they might give it a try.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Now for my last idea in DEEP LEFT FIELD. (don't take this too seriously, I am famous for thinking WAY out of the box.)</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>I grew up in Greenville, a pretty, little town east of Grand Rapids. I thought it would be great if some linux guru offered to write a column in the local newspaper on Linux, kind of a beginners guide with weekly installments. Maybe it could be a cooperative effort of several GLUGers. (Columns could be brainstormed and outlined at GRLUG meetings.) We could list GRLUG meeting dates at the bottom of the article, and meet occassionally at a Greenville restaurant or school. The paper might agree to distribute free or low cost liveCDs to interested local citzens. The weekly column might develop into a question and answer session for people that are learning the software. It would be kind of a social experiment...see if we could create a physical linux community. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>HOW IS THAT FOR LEFT FIELD!!!</FONT>
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