One problem GNHLUG has had more-or-less since it's inception is the question of "What do we want GNHLUG to be?". Opinions definately vary.

GNHLUG has, to my knowledge, no charater, no mission statement, no formal declaration of purpose. We know GNHLUG exists because a bunch of people say it does, and there is a domain name and a web site and some mailing lists. That's worth a lot, but still rather vague and undirected, which makes doing something more difficult.

There have been efforts to get GNHLUG registered as a not-for-profit organization, and I believe they even succeeded at one point, but I don't know if that registration is still in effect. Either way, we certainly never used it for much of anything.

I think it is a given that we need /something/ more if we want to go beyond being a "social club for geeks". In the past, we tried organizing GNHLUG around traditional lines, with a "steering committe" and a "chairman" and all that, but to me there seemed to be a steady undercurrent of displeasure with such formalities. Maybe we should be less formal. OTOH, maybe we should be /more/ formal.

In the past, someone wise pointed out that we have multiple possible "target markets" for GNHLUG, in which there is considerable overlap. Here are some ways to break things down:

• Experience level
  • Potential Linux users -- People who are not using Linux but could be, or should be
  • New Linux users -- People who have decided to try Linux, or want to, but need help
  • Experienced Linux users -- People who know and use Linux, and want to share knowledge and camaraderie
• Attitude
  • Technologists -- Those who consider computers a profession, or at least a serious hobby. They find Linux interesting because they find technology interesting. "Geeks".
  • Users -- Those who consider computers a tool, and nothing more. They find Linux interesting because it might be a better means to an end.
  • Managers -- Those who consider computers a department or a budget item. These find Linux interesting because it can save them money (long-term or short-term). "Suits".
  • Note that most managers are users, and in the case of someone at home, someone may be all three.
• Type of entity
  • Individuals -- Using a computer by and for him/herself.
  • Parts of a whole -- Using a computer for an organization.
  • Organizations -- Businesses, non-profits, etc.
• Role desired
  • Passive -- Sit back and watch
  • Active internally -- Share with those who ask for it
  • Active externally -- Advocacy

To any of the above, GNHLUG could be:

• A means of education
• A source of technical assistance
• A place to share professional knowledge
• An advocacy group
• A social club for geeks

-- BenScott - 03 Apr 200