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-
-Linux User Group HOWTO
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!!Linux User Group HOWTO
-
-!!
-Kendall Grant Clarkv.1.6.2, 24 April 1998
-
-
-----
-''The Linux User Group HOWTO is a guide to founding, maintaining, and
-growing a Linux User Group.''
-----
-
-
-
-
-!!1. Introduction
-
-
-****1.1 Purpose
-
-****1.2 Other sources of information
-
-
-
-
-
-!!2. What is a Linux User Group?
-
-
-****2.1 What is Linux?
-
-****2.2 How is Linux unique?
-
-****2.3 What is a user group?
-
-****2.4 Summary
-
-
-
-
-
-!!3. What LUGs are there?
-
-
-****3.1 Lists of LUGs
-
-****3.2 Solidarity versus convenience
-
-
-
-
-
-!!4. What does a LUG do?
-
-
-****4.1 Linux advocacy
-
-****4.2 Linux education
-
-****4.3 Linux support
-
-****4.4 Linux socializing
-
-
-
-
-
-!!5. Local LUG activities
-
-
-****5.1 Meetings
-
-****5.2 Online resources
-
-
-
-
-
-!!6. Practical suggestions
-
-
-****6.1 LUG support organizations
-
-****6.2 Founding a LUG
-
-****6.3 Maintaining and growing a LUG
-
-
-
-
-
-!!7. Legal and political issues
-
-
-****7.1 Legal issues
-
-****7.2 United States
-
-****7.3 Canada
-
-****7.4 Political issues
-
-
-
-
-
-!!8. About this document
-
-
-****8.1 Terms of use
-
-****8.2 New versions
-
-****8.3 Please contribute to this HOWTO
-
-****8.4 Document history
-
-****8.5 Acknowledgements
-
-----
-
-!!1. Introduction
-
-!!1.1 Purpose
-
-
-
-The Linux User Group HOWTO is intended to serve as a guide to founding,
-maintaining, and growing a Linux User Group.
-
-
-Linux is a freely-distributable implementation of Unix for personal
-computers, servers and workstations. It was developed on the i386 and
-now supports i486, Pentium, Pentium Pro, and Pentium II processors, as
-well as x86-clones from AMD, Cyrix, and others. It also supports many
-SPARC, DEC Alpha, PowerPC/!PowerMac, Motorola 68x0 Mac/Amiga machines.
-
-
-
-
-!!1.2 Other sources of information
-
-
-
-If you want to learn more about Linux, the
-Linux Documentation Project
-is a good place to start.
-
-
-For general information about computer user groups, please see the
-Association of PC Users Groups.
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!2. What is a Linux User Group?
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-!!2.1 What is Linux?
-
-
-
-In order to appreciate and understand fully the significant role of
-LUGs in the Linux Movement, it is important to understand what makes
-Linux unique among computer operating systems.
-
-
-Linux as an operating system is very efficient and very powerful. But,
-Linux as an ''__idea__'' about how software ought to be
-developed is even more powerful. Linux is a __free__ operating
-system: it is licensed under the GNU Public License. The source code
-is freely available to anyone who wants it and always will be. It is
-developed by a unstructured group of programmers from around the
-world, under the technical direction of Linus Torvalds and other key
-developers. Linux is a world-wide movement without any central
-structure, bureaucracy, or entity to control, coordinate, or otherwise
-direct its affairs. While this situation is a powerful part of the
-appeal and technical quality of Linux as an computer operating system,
-it can make for inefficient allocation of human resources, ineffective
-and even detrimental advocacy, public relations, user education and
-training.
-
-
-
-
-!!2.2 How is Linux unique?
-
-
-
-This loose structure is not likely to change with regard to Linux as a
-software project. And it's a good thing, too. Linux works precisely
-because people are free to come and go as they please: __free
-programmers are happy programmers are effective programmers__.
-
-
-But this loose structure can make the average Linux user's life a
-little complicated--especially if that user isn't a programmer by
-profession or by vocation. Who does she call for support, training, or
-education? How does she know the kinds of uses for which Linux is
-well-suited?
-
-
-In large part local LUGs provide the answers to these kinds of
-question. This is why LUGs are a crucial part of the Linux
-Movement. Because there is no ``regional office'' of the Linux
-Corporation in your town or village or metropolis, the local LUG takes
-on many of the same roles that a regional office does for a large
-multi-national corporation..
-
-
-Linux is unique because it does not have, nor is it burdened by, a
-central structure or bureaucracy to allocate its resources, train its
-users, or provide support for its products. These jobs get done in a
-variety of ways: the Internet, consultants, VARs, support companies,
-colleges and universities. But, increasingly, in many places around
-the globe, they get done by a local LUG.
-
-
-
-
-!!2.3 What is a user group?
-
-
-
-Computer user groups, at least in the United States, are not a new
-phenomenon; in fact, they played an important role in the history of
-the personal computer. The personal computer arose in large part to
-satisfy the demand of electronics, Ham Radio, and other hobbyist user
-groups, as well as trade shows and swap meets, for affordable,
-personal access to computing resources. Of course eventually giants
-like IBM discovered that the PC was a good and profitable thing, but
-the impetus for the PC came from the people, by the people, and for
-the people.
-
-
-In the United States, user groups have changed, and many for the
-worse, with the times. The financial woes of the largest user group
-ever, the
-Boston Computer Society have been well-reported; but all over the
-U.S. most of the big PC user groups have seen a decline in real
-membership. American user groups in their heyday concentrated on the
-production of newsletters, the maintenance of shareware and diskette
-libraries, meetings, social events, and, sometimes, even Bulletin
-Board Systems. With the advent of the Internet, however, many of the
-services that user groups once provided were transferred to things
-like !CompuServe, AOL, and the Web.
-
-
-The rise of Linux, however, coincided with and was intensified by
-general public's ``discovery'' of the Internet. As the Internet grew
-more popular, so did Linux: the Internet brought new users,
-developers, and vendors to the Linux Movement.
-
-
-So just when traditional PC user groups were declining because of the
-Internet's popularity, this popularity propelled Linux forward,
-creating new demand for new user groups dedicated exclusively to
-Linux. To give just one indication of the ways in which a LUG is
-different than a traditional user group, I call the reader's attention
-to a curious fact: traditional user groups have had to maintain a
-fairly tight control over the kinds of software that its users copy
-and trade at its meetings. While illegal copying of commercial
-software certainly occurred at these meetings, it was officially
-discouraged and for good reason.
-
-
-At a LUG meeting, however, this entire mindset simply does not
-apply. Far from being the kind of thing that a LUG ought to
-discourage, the free copying of Linux itself ought to be one of the
-primary activities of a LUG. In fact there is anecdotal evidence that
-traditional user groups sometimes have a difficult time adapting to
-the fact that Linux can be freely copied as many times as one needs or
-wants.
-
-
-
-
-!!2.4 Summary
-
-
-
-In order for the Linux Movement to continue to flourish, the
-proliferation and success of local LUGs, along with other factors, is
-an absolute requirement. Because of the unique status of Linux, the
-local LUG must provide some of the same functions that a ``regional
-office'' provides for large computer corporations like IBM, Microsoft,
-or Sun. LUGs can and must train, support, and educate Linux users,
-coordinate Linux consultants, advocate Linux as a computing solution,
-and even serve as a liason to local media outlets like newspapers and
-television.
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!3. What LUGs are there?
-
-
-Since this document is meant as a guide not only to maintaining and
-growing LUGs but also to founding them, it would be well before we go
-much further to determine what LUGs there are.
-
-
-
-
-!!3.1 Lists of LUGs
-
-
-
-There are several lists of LUGs available on the Web. If you want to
-found a local LUG, one of the first things to do is to determine where
-the nearest LUG is. ''Your best bet may be to join a LUG that is
-already established in your area rather than founding a new one.''
-
-
-As of the mid-1997, there are LUGs in all 50 states, the District of
-Columbia, and 26 other countries, including India, Russia, and most of
-Western and Eastern Europe.
-
-
-Note: the biggest untapped computing market on the planet, China, does
-not yet appear to have a LUG, and India, the second most populous
-country on the planet, has only a few.
-
-
-
-
-
-****
-Finding Groups of Linux Users Everywhere
-****
-
-****
-LUG List Project
-****
-
-****
-LUG Registry
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-
-It appears that the GLUE list is more comprehensive for American LUGs,
-while the LUG List Project offers more comprehensive international
-coverage.
-
-
-
-
-!!3.2 Solidarity versus convenience
-
-
-
-While the lists of LUGs on the Web are well-maintained, it is likely
-that they do not list every LUG. In addition to consulting these
-lists, I suggest, if you are considering founding a LUG, that you post
-a short message asking about the existence of a local LUG to
-comp.os.linux.announce,
-comp.os.linux.misc, or an
-appropriate regional Usenet hierarchy. If there isn't a LUG already in
-your area, then posting mesages to these groups will alert potential
-members of your plans.
-
-
-If you plan to found a local LUG, you should carefully balance
-convenience against solidarity. In other words, if there is a LUG in
-your metropolitan area, but on the other side of the city, it may be
-better to start a new group for the sake of convenience. But it may be
-better to join the pre-existing group for the sake of unity and
-solidarity. __''Greater numbers almost always means greater power,
-influence, and efficiency''__. While it might be nice to have
-two groups of 100 members each, there are certain advantages to one
-group of 200 members. Of course if you live in a small town or
-village, any group is better than no group at all.
-
-
-The point is that starting a LUG is an arduous undertaking, and one
-that ought to be entered into with all the relevant facts, and with
-some appreciation of the effect on other groups.
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!4. What does a LUG do?
-
-
-The goals of local LUGs are as varied as the locales in which they
-operate. There is no master plan for LUGs, nor is this document meant
-to supply one. Remember: Linux is free from bureaucracy and
-centralized control and so are local LUGs.
-
-
-It is possible, however, to identify a core set of goals for a local
-LUG:
-
-
-
-
-
-****advocacy
-****
-
-****education
-****
-
-****support
-****
-
-****socializing
-****
-
-
-
-Each local LUG will combine these and other goals in a unique way in
-order to satisfy the unique needs of its membership.
-
-
-
-
-!!4.1 Linux advocacy
-
-
-
-The urge to advocate the use of Linux is as natural to computer users
-as is eating or sleeping. When you find something that works and works
-well, the natural urge is to tell as many people about it as you
-can. The role of LUGs in Linux advocacy cannot be overestimated,
-especially since the wide-scale commercial acceptance of Linux which
-it so richly deserves has not yet been achieved. While it is certainly
-beneficial to the Linux Movement each and every time a computer
-journalist writes a positive review of Linux, it is also beneficial
-every time satisfied Linux users tell their friends, colleagues,
-employees or employers about Linux.
-
-
-There is effective advocacy and there is ineffective carping: as Linux
-users, we must be constantly vigilant to advocate Linux in such a way
-as to reflect positively on both the product, its creators and
-developers, and our fellow users. The Linux Advocacy mini-HOWTO,
-available at the Linux Documentation Project, gives some helpful
-suggestions in this regard. Suffice it to say that advocacy is an
-important aspect of the mission of a local LUG.
-
-
-There may come a time when Linux advocacy is pretty much beside the
-point because Linux has more or less won the day, when the phrase ``No
-one ever got fired for using Linux'' becomes a reality. Until that
-time, however, the local LUG plays an indispensable role in promoting
-the use of Linux. It does so because its advocacy is free,
-well-intentioned, and backed up by organizational commitment. If a
-person comes to know about Linux through the efforts of a local LUG,
-then that person, as a new Linux user, is already ahead of the game:
-''she is already aware of the existence of an organization that will
-help her install, configure, and even maintain Linux on whatever
-computers she is willing to dedicate to it.''
-
-
-New Linux users who are already in contact with a local LUG are ahead
-of those whose interest in Linux has been piqued by a computer
-journalist, but who have no one to whom to turn to aid them in their
-quest to install, run, and learn Linux.
-
-
-It is, therefore, important for local LUGs to advocate Linux because
-their advocacy is effective, well-supported, and free.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-!!4.2 Linux education
-
-
-
-Not only is it the business of a local LUG to advocate the use of
-Linux, it may also turn its efforts to training its members, as well as
-the computing public in its area, to use Linux and associated
-components. In my own estimation, the goal of user education is the
-single most important goal a LUG may undertake. Of course, as I have
-already pointed out, LUGs are perfectly free to organize themselves
-and their activities around any of these, or other, goals. I believe,
-however, that LUGs can have the greatest impact on the Linux Movement
-by educating and training Linux users.
-
-
-Local LUGs may choose to undertake the goal of education simply
-because there is no other local entity from which a Linux user may
-receive technically-oriented education. While it is certainly the case
-that universities, colleges, and junior colleges are increassingly
-turning to Linux as a way to educate their students, both efficiently
-and cheaply, about Unix-like operating systems, some Linux users are
-either unable or unwilling to register for courses in order to learn
-Linux. For these users the local LUG is a valuable resource for
-enhancement or creation of advanced computer skills: Unix-like system
-administration, system programming, support and creation of Internet
-and Intranet technologies, etc.
-
-
-In an ironic twist, many local LUGs are even sharing the burden of
-worker training with large corporations. Every worker at Acme Corp
-that expands her computer skills by participating in a local LUG is
-one less worker Acme Corp has to train or pay to train. Even though
-using and administering a Linux PC at home isn't the same as
-administering a corporate data warehouse, call center, or similar
-high-availability facility, it is light years more complex, more
-rewarding, and more educational than using and administering a Windows
-95 PC at home. As Linux itself advances toward things like journalling
-filesystems, high-availability, real-time capacity, and other high-end
-Unix features, the already blurry line between Linux and the ``real''
-Unixes will get even more indistinct.
-
-
-Not only is such education a form of worker training, but it will also
-serve, as information technology becomes an increasingly vital part of
-the global economy, as a kind of community service. In most
-metropolitan areas in the United States, for example, it is possible
-for a local LUG to take Linux into local schools, small businesses,
-community and social organizations, and other non-corporate
-environments. This accomplishes the task of Linux advocacy and also
-helps train the general public about Linux as a Unix-like operating
-system. As more and more of these kinds of organizations seek to
-establish an Internet presence or provide dial-in access to their
-workers, students, and constituents, the opportunities arise for local
-LUGs to participate in the life of their community by educating it
-about a free and freely-available operating system. This kind of
-community service allows the average Linux user to emulate the kind of
-generosity that has characterized Linux, and the free software
-community, from the very beginning. Most Linux users can't program
-like Linus Torvalds, but we can all all give our time and abilities to
-other Linux users, the Linux community, and the broader community in
-which work and live.
-
-
-Linux is a natural fit for these kinds of organization because
-deploying it doesn't commit them to expensive license, upgrade, or
-maintenance fees. Because Linux is also technically elegant and
-economical, it runs very well on the the kinds of disposable hardware
-that corporations typically cast off and that non-profit organizations
-are only too happy to use. As more and more people discover every day,
-that old 486 collecting dust in the closet can do __real work__
-if someone will install Linux on it.
-
-
-In addition, Linux education has a cumulative effect on the other
-goals of a local LUG, in particular the goal of Linux support
-discussed below. Better Linux education means better Linux
-support. The more people that a LUG can count on to reach its support
-goals, the easier support becomes and, therefore, the more of it can
-be done. The more new and inexperienced users a local LUG can support
-and eventually educate about Linux, the larger and more effective the
-LUG can become. In other words, if a LUG focuses solely on Linux
-support to the neglect of Linux education, the natural barriers to
-organizational growth will be more restrictive. If only two or three
-percent of the members of a LUG take upon themselves the task of
-supporting the others, the growth of the LUG will be stifled. One
-thing you can count on: __''if new and inexperienced users don't
-get the help with Linux they need from a local LUG, they won't
-participate in that LUG for very long''__. If a larger
-percentage of members support the others, the LUG will be able to grow
-much larger. Linux education is the key to this dynamic: education
-turns new Linux users into experienced ones.
-
-
-Free education about free Linux also highlights the degree to
-which Linux is part and parcel of the free software Community. So it
-seems appropriate that local LUGs focus not solely on Linux education
-but also education about all of the various software systems and
-technologies that run under Linux. These include, for instance, the
-GNU suite of programs and utilities, the Apache Web server, the
-XFree86 implementation of X Windows, TeX, LaTeX, etc. Fortunately the
-list of free software that runs under Linux is a long and diverse one.
-
-
-Finally, Linux is a self-documenting operating environment; in other words,
-if we don't write the documentation, nobody is going to do it for us. Toward
-that end, make sure that LUG members are well aware of the
-Linux Documentation Project, which can be
-found at mirrors worldwide. Consider providing an LDP mirror for the local
-Linux community and for LUG members. Also make sure to publicize---through
-comp.os.linux.announce, the LDP, and other pertinent sources of
-Linux information---any relevant documentation that is developed by the LUG:
-technical presentations, tutorials, local FAQs, etc. There is a lot of Linux
-documentation produced in LUGs that doesn't benefit the worldwide Linux
-community because no one outside the LUG knows about it. Don't let the LUGs
-efforts in this regard go to waste: it is highly probable that if someone at
-one LUG had a question or problem with something, then people at other LUGs
-around the world will have the same questions and problems.
-
-
-
-
-!!4.3 Linux support
-
-
-
-Of course for the desperate __newbie__ the primary role of a
-local LUG is Linux support. But it is a mistake to suppose that Linux
-support only means ''technical'' support for new Linux users. It
-can and should mean much more.
-
-
-Local LUGs have the opportunity to support:
-
-
-
-
-
-****users
-****
-
-****consultants
-****
-
-****businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools
-****
-
-****the Linux Movement
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-!Users
-
-
-The most frequent complaint from new Linux users, once they have
-gotten Linux installed, is the steep learning curve which is not at
-all unique to Linux but is, rather, a characteristic of all modern
-Unixes. With the steepness of the learning curve, however, comes the
-power and flexibility of a complex operating system. A local LUG is
-often the only resource that a new Linux user has available to help
-flatten out the learning curve.
-
-
-But even if a new Linux user doesn't know it yet, she needs more than
-just technical support: Linux and the free software worlds are both
-rapidly moving targets. The local LUGs form an invaluable conduit of
-information about Linux and other free software products. Not only
-does Linux lack a central bureaucracy, but it also for the most part
-lacks the kind of journalistic infrastructure from which users of
-other computer systems benefit. The Linux Movement does have resources
-like
-Linux Journal and
-Linux Gazette, but many new Linux
-users are unaware of these resources. In addition, as ''monthly''
-publications they are often already out of date about bugfixes,
-security problems, patches, new kernels, etc. This is where the local
-LUG as a source and conduit of timely information is so vital to new
-and experienced Linux users alike.
-
-
-For example, until a new Linux user knows that the newest kernels are
-available from
-ftp.kernel.org
-or that the __Linux Documentation Project__ usually has newer
-versions of Linux HOWTOs than a CD-based Linux distribution, it is up
-to the local LUG, as the primary support entity, to be a conduit of
-timely and useful information.
-
-
-In fact it may be just a bit misleading to focus on the support role
-that local LUGs provide to new users: intermediate and advanced users
-also benefit from the proliferation of timely and useful tips, facts,
-and secrets about Linux. Because of the complexity of Linux, even
-advanced users often learn new tricks or techniques simply by becoming
-involved in a local LUG. Sometimes they learn about software packages
-they didn't know existed, sometimes they just remember that arcane
-vi command sequence they've not used since college.
-
-
-
-
-!Consultants
-
-
-It is, I think, rather obvious to claim that local LUGs ought to be in
-the business of supporting new Linux users. After all, if they're not
-supposed to be doing that, what are they to do? It may not be as
-obvious that local LUGs can play an important role in supporting local
-Linux consultants. Whether they do Linux consulting full-time or only
-part-time, consultants can be an important part of a local LUG. How
-can the LUG support them?
-
-
-The answer to that question is just the answer to another question:
-what is it that Linux consultants want and need? __''They need
-someone for whom to consult.''__ A local LUG provides the best
-way for those who ''offer'' Linux consulting to find those who
-''need'' Linux consulting. The local LUG can informally broker
-connections between consulting suppliers and consulting consumers
-simply by getting all, or as many as possible, of the people
-interested in Linux in a local area together and talking with one
-another. How LUGs do that will occupy us below. What is important
here
-is to point out that LUGs can and should play this role as well. The
-Linux Consultants HOWTO is an important document in this regard, but
-it is surely the case that only a fraction of the full-time and
-part-time Linux consultants worldwide are registered in the
-Consultants HOWTO.
-
-
-The relationship is mutually beneficial. Consultants aid LUGs by
-providing experienced leadership, both technically and
-organizationally, while LUGs aid consultants by putting them in
-contact with the kinds of people who need their services. New and
-inexperienced users gain benefit from both LUGs and consultants since
-their routine or simple requests for support are handled by LUGs
-''gratis'', and their complex needs and problems---the kind that
-obviously require the services of a paid consultant---can be handled
-by the consultants whom the local LUG helps them contact.
-
-
-The line between support requests that need a consultant and those
-that do not is sometimes indistinct; but in most cases the difference
-is clear. While a local LUG doesn't want to gain the reputation for
-pawning new users off unnecessarily on consultants--as this is simply
-rude and very anti-Linux behavior--there is no reason for LUGs not to
-help broker contacts between the users who need consulting services
-and the professionals who offer them.
-
-
-Please see Martin Michlmayr's
-Linux Consultants HOWTO for an
-international list of Linux consultants.
-
-
-
-
-!Businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools
-
-
-LUGs also have the opportunity to support local businesses and
-organizations. This support has two aspects. First, LUGs can support
-businesses and organizations that want to use Linux as a part of their
-computing and IT efforts. Second, LUGs can support local businesses
-and organizations that develop for Linux, cater to Linux users,
-support or install Linux, etc.
-
-
-The kinds of support that LUGs can provide to local businesses that
-want to use Linux as a part of their computing operations isn't really
-all that different from the kinds of support LUGs give to individuals
-who want to run Linux at home. For example, compiling the Linux kernel
-doesn't really vary from home to business. Supporting businesses using
-Linux, however, may mean that a LUG needs to concentrate on commercial
-software that runs on Linux, rather than concentrating solely on free
-software. If Linux is going to continue to maintain its momentum as a
-viable computing alternative, then it's going to take software vendors
-who are willing to write for and port to Linux as a
-commercially-viable platform. If local LUGs can play a role in helping
-business users evaluate commercial Linux solutions, then more software
-vendors will be encouraged to consider Linux in their development and
-planning.
-
-
-This leads us directly to the second kind of support that a local LUG
-can give to local businesses. Local LUGs can serve as a clearing house
-for the kind of information that is available in very few other
-places. For example:
-
-
-
-
-
-****Which local ISP is Linux-friendly?
-****
-
-****Are there any local hardware vendors that build Linux PCs?
-****
-
-****Does anyone sell Linux CDs locally?
-****
-
-
-
-Maintaining and making this kind of information public not only helps
-the members of a local LUG, but it also helps Linux-friendly local
-businesses as well, and it encourages them to continue to be
-Linux-friendly. It may even, in some cases, help contribute to a
-competitive atmosphere in which other businesses are encouraged to
-become Linux-friendly too.
-
-
-
-
-!Free software development
-
-
-Finally, LUGs may also support the Linux Movement by soliciting and
-organizing charitable giving.
-Chris Browne has thought about this issue as much as
-anyone I know, and he contributes the following.
-
-
-
-
-!Chris Browne on free software philanthropy
-
-
-
-A further involvement can be to encourage sponsorship of various
-Linux-related organizations in a financial way. With the
-multiple millions of Linux users,
-it would be entirely plausible for grateful users to individually
-contribute a little. Given millions of users, and the not unreasonable
-sum of a hundred dollars of ``gratefulness'' per Linux user ($100 being
-roughly the sum ''not'' spent this year upgrading a Microsoft OS),
-that could add up to ''hundreds of millions'' of dollars towards
-development of improved tools and applications for Linux.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-A users group can encourage members to contribute to various
-``development projects.'' If it has some form of ``charitable tax
-exemption'' status, that can encourage members to contribute directly
-to the group, getting tax deductions as appropriate, with
-contributions flowing on to other organizations.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-It is appropriate, in any case, to encourage LUG members to direct
-contributions to organizations with projects and goals that they
-individually wish to support.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-This section lists possible candidates. None are explicitly being
-recommended here, but the list can represent useful ``food for
-thought.'' Many are registered as charities in the United States, thus
-making U.S. contributions tax deductible.
-
-
-
-
-
-Here are organizations with activities particularly directed towards
-development of software that works with Linux:
-
-
-
-
-
-****
- Linux International Project Sponsorship Fund
-****
-
-****
-Debian/Software In the Public Interest
-****
-
-****
-Free Software Foundation
-****
-
-****
- The XFree86 Project
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-
-Contributions to these organizations has the direct effect of
-supporting the creation of freely redistributable software usable with
-Linux. Dollar for dollar, such contributions almost certainly have
-greater effect on the Linux community as a whole than any other
-specific kind of spending.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-There are also organizations that are less directly associated
-with Linux that may nonetheless be worthy of assistance, such as:
-
-
-
-
-
-****
- League for Programming Freedom
-
-
-
-This is not a Linux-specific organization; they are involved in
-general advocacy activities that touch on people involved with
-software development. Involvement in this organization represents
-something closer to involvement in a ``political lobby'' group.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-There is somewhat of a ``USA bias;'' there are nonetheless
-international implications, and the international community as often
-follows the American lead in computing-related matters as vice-versa.
-
-
-
-
-****
-
-****The LaTeX3 Project Fund
-
-
-
-The
- TeX Users Group (TUG) is
-working on the ``next generation'' version of the LaTeX publishing
-system, known as LaTeX3. Linux is one of the platforms on which TeX
-and LaTeX are best supported.
-
-
- Donations for the project can be sent to:
-
-
-TeX Users Group
-P.O. Box 1239
-Three Rivers, CA 93271-1239
-USA
-
-
-or, for those in Europe,
-
-
-UK TUG
-1 Eymore Close
-Selly Oaks
-Burmingham B29 4LB
-UK
-
-
-
-
-
-
-****
-
-****
-Project Gutenberg
-
-
-Their purpose is to make freely available in electronic form the
-texts of out-of-copyright books. This isn't directly a ``Linux thing,''
-but it seems fairly worthy, and they actively encourage platform
-independence, which means that their ``products'' are quite usable with Linux.
-
-
-
-
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-!Linux Movement
-
-
-I have referred throughout this HOWTO to something I call the
-__Linux Movement__. There really is no better way to describe the
-international Linux phenomenon than to call it a movement: it isn't a
-bureaucracy, but it is organized; it isn't a corporation, but it is
-important to businesses all over the world. The best way for a local
-LUG to support the international Linux movement is to work to insure
-that the local Linux community is robust, vibrant, and growing. Linux
-is ''developed'' internationally, which is easy enough to see by
-reading /usr/src/linux/MAINTAINERS. But Linux is also
-''used'' internationally. And this ever-expanding user base is
-the key to Linux's continued success. And that is where the local LUG
-plays an incalculably important role.
-
-
-The strength of the Linux Movement internationally is the simple fact
-that Linux offers unprecedented computing power and sophistication for
-its cost and for its freedom. The keys are value and independence from
-proprietary control. Every time a new person, group, business, or
-organization has the opportunity to be exposed to Linux's inherent
-value the Linux Movement grows in strength and numbers. Local LUGs can
-make that happen.
-
-
-
-
-!!4.4 Linux socializing
-
-
-
-The last goal of a local LUG that I will mention here is
-socializing. In some ways this is the most difficult goal to discuss
-because it is not clear how many or to what degree LUGs engage in
-it. While it would be strange to have a local LUG that didn't engage
-in the other goals, there very well may be local LUGs somewhere in the
-world for which socialization isn't an important consideration.
-
-
-It seems, however, that whenever two or three Linux users get together
-fun, highjinks, and, often, beer are sure to follow. Linus Tovalds has
-always had one enduring goal for Linux: to have more fun. For hackers,
-kernel developers, and Linux users, there's nothing quite like
-downloading a new kernel, recompiling an old one, twittering with a
-window manager, or hacking some code. It is the sheer fun of Linux
-that keeps many LUGs together, and it is this kind of fun that leads
-many LUGs naturally to socializing.
-
-
-By ``socializing'' here I mean primarily sharing experiences, forming
-friendships, and mutually-shared admiration and respect. There is
-another meaning, however, one that social scientists call
-''socialization''. In any movement, institution, or human
-community, there is the need for some process or pattern of events in
-and by which, to put it in Linux terms, newbies are turned into
-hackers. In other words, socialization turns you from ``one of them''
-to ``one of us''.
-
-
-For armed forces in the U.S. and in most countries, this process is
-called boot camp or basic training. This is the process whereby
-civilians are transformed into soldiers. The Linux movement has
-analogous requirements. It is important that new Linux users come to
-learn what it means to be a Linux user, what is expected of them as a
-member of an international community, the special vocabulary of the
-Linux movement, its unique requirements and opportunities. This may be
-as simple as how Linux users in a partcicular locale pronounce
-``Linux''. It may be as profound as the ways in which Linux users
-should advocate, and the ways in which they should, more importantly,
-''refrain'' from advocating Linux.
-
-
-Linux socialization, unlike `real world' socialization, can occur on
-mailing lists and Usenet, although the efficacy of the latter is
-constantly challenged precisely by poorly socialized users. In my
-view, socialization and socializing are both done best in the company
-of real, flesh-and-blood fellow human beings, and not by incorporeal
-voices on a mailing list or Usenet group.
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!5. Local LUG activities
-
-
-In the previous section I focused exclusively on what LUGs do and what
-they ought to be doing. In this section the focus shifts to practical
-strategies for accomplishing these goals.
-
-
-There are, despite the endless permutations of form, two basic things
-that local LUGs do: first, they meet together in physical space;
-second, they communicate with each other in cyberspace. Everything or
-nearly everything that LUGs do can be seen in terms of meetings and
-online resources.
-
-
-
-
-!!5.1 Meetings
-
-
-
-As I said above, physical meetings are synonymous with LUGs and with
-most computer user groups. LUGs have these kinds of meetings:
-
-
-
-
-
-****social
-****
-
-****technical presentations
-****
-
-****informal discussion groups
-****
-
-****user group business
-****
-
-****Linux installation
-****
-
-****configuration and bug-squashing
-****
-
-
-
-What do LUGs do at these meetings?
-
-
-
-
-
-****Install Linux for newbies and strangers
-****
-
-****Teach members about Linux
-****
-
-****Compare Linux to other operating systems
-****
-
-****Teach members about the software that runs on Linux
-****
-
-****Discuss the ways in which Linux can be advocated
-****
-
-****Discuss the importance of the Free Software Movement
-****
-
-****Discuss the business of the user group
-****
-
-****Eat, drink, and be merry
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-!!5.2 Online resources
-
-
-
-The commercial rise of the Internet coincided roughly with the rise of
-Linux, and the latter in large part owes something to the former. The
-Internet has always been an important asset for Linux development. It
-is no different for LUGs. Most LUGs have web pages if not whole
-Web sites. In fact, I am not sure how else to find a local LUG but to
-check the Web.
-
-
-It makes sense, then, for a local LUG to make use of whatever Internet
-technologies they can appropriate: Web sites, mailing lists, gopher,
-FTP, e-mail, WAIS, finger, news, etc. As the world of commerce is
-discovering, the Internet can be an effective way to advertise,
-inform, educate, and even sell. The other reason that LUGs make
-extensive use of Internet technologies is that it is the very essence
-of Linux to ''provide'' a stable and rich platform for the
-deployment of these technologies. So not only do LUGs benefit from,
-say, the establishment of a Web site because it advertizes their
-existence and helps organize their members, but in deploying these
-technologies, the members of the LUG are provided an opportunity to
-learn about this technology and see Linux at work.
-
-
-Some LUGs that use the Internet effectively:
-
-
-
-
-
-****
-Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts
-****
-
-****
-North Texas Linux Users Group
-****
-
-****
-Boston Linux and Unix
-****
-
-****
-Colorado Linux Users and Enthusiasts
-****
-
-****
-BLUG - BHZ Linux Users Group (Brazil)
-****
-
-****
-Ottawa Carleton Linux Users Group
-****
-
-****
-Provence Linux Users Group
-****
-
-****
-Duesseldorf Linux Users Group
-****
-
-****
-Linux User Group Austria
-****
-
-****
-Israeli Linux Users Group
-****
-
-****
-Tokyo Linux Users Group
-****
-
-****
-Linux in Mexico
-****
-
-****
-Netherlands Linux Users Group (NLLGG)
-****
-
-****
-St. Petersburg Linux User Group
-****
-
-****
-Linux User Group of Singapore
-****
-
-****
-Victoria Linux User Group
-****
-
-****
-Essex Linux User Group
-****
-
-****
-Turkish Linux User Group
-****
-
-****
-Linux User Group of Rochester
-****
-
-****
-Korean Linux Users Group
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-
-Please let me know if your LUG uses the Internet in an important or
-interesting way; I'd like this list to include your group.
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!6. Practical suggestions
-
-
-Finally, I want to make some very practical, even mundane, suggestions
-for anyone wanting to found, maintain, or grow a LUG.
-
-
-
-
-!!6.1 LUG support organizations
-
-
-
-
-
-
-There are several organizations that offer assistance to local LUGs.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-; __GLUE__:
-
-Groups of Linux Users Everywhere is a user group
-coordination and support program started by SSC, the same people who
-publish ''Linux Journal''. The
-GLUE program is an inexpensive way for a local
-LUG to provide some benefits to its membership.
-
-
-
-; __Linux Systems Labs__:
-
-
-LSL offers their Tri-Linux Disk set (Three
-Linux distributions on four CDs: Red Hat, Slackware, and Debian) to
-LUGs for resale at a considerable discount.
-
-
-
-; __Linux Mall User Group Program__:
-
-Sponsored by !WorkGroup
-Solutions, the
-Linux Mall User Group Program offers a range
-of benefits for participating User Groups. LUGs are also free to
-participate in
-Linux Mall's Referral Program as well.
-
-
-
-; __Cleveland Linux User's Group__:
-
-Owns the Internet domain,
-lug.net. They will provide your LUG an Internet domain name
-at lug.net: your-LUG-name-or-citylug.net. More
-information may be found at
-LUG.NET or by e-mailing
-Jeff Garvas.
-
-
-
-; __Red Hat Software's User Group Program__:
-
-Assists LUGs to
-develop and grow. More information may be found at
-Red Hat Web site
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-!!6.2 Founding a LUG
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-****Determine the nearest pre-existing LUG
-****
-
-****Announce your intentions on comp.os.linux.announce and on an appropriate regional hierarchy
-****
-
-****Announce your intention wherever computer users are in your area: bookstores, swap meets, cybercafes, colleges and universities, corporations, Internet service providers, etc.
-****
-
-****Find Linux-friendly businesses or institutions in your area that may be willing to help you form the LUG
-****
-
-****Form a mailing list or some means of communication between the people who express an interest in forming a LUG
-****
-
-****Ask key people specifically for help in spreading the word about your intention to form a LUG
-****
-
-****Solicit space on a Web server to put a few HTML pages together about the group
-****
-
-****Begin looking for a meeting place
-****
-
-****Schedule an initial meeting
-****
-
-****Discuss at the initial meeting the goals for the LUG
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-!!6.3 Maintaining and growing a LUG
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-****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 Linux for anyone who wants it
-****
-
-****Post flyers, messages, or handbills wherever computer users are in your area
-****
-
-****Secure dedicated leadership
-****
-
-****Follow Linus'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 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 Linux converts---are likely to gather
-****
-
-****Elect formal leadership for the LUG as soon as is 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 (organizes and schedules speakers at LUG meetings)
-****
-
-****Provide ways for members and others to give feedback about the direction, goals, and strategies of the LUG
-****
-
-****Support Linux and Free Software development efforts by donating Web space, a mailing list, or FTP site
-****
-
-****Establish an FTP site for relevant software
-****
-
-****Archive everything the LUG does for the Web site
-****
-
-****Solicit ``door prizes'' from Linux vendors, VARs, etc. to give away at meetings
-****
-
-****Give credit where credit is due
-****
-
-****Join SSC's GLUE (Groups of Linux Users Everywhere) but be aware they charge a membership fee
-****
-
-****Submit your LUG's information to all of the Lists of LUGs
-****
-
-****Publicize your meetings on appropriate Usenet groups and in local computer publications and newspapers
-****
-
-****Compose promotional materials, like Postscript files, for instance, that members can use to help publicize 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 organizations and schools with their Information Technology needs
-****
-
-****Advocate the use of Linux zealously but responsibly
-****
-
-****Play to the strengths of LUG members
-****
-
-****Maintain good relations with Linux vendors, VARs, developers, etc.
-****
-
-****Identify and contact Linux 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 Linux software---new kernels, bugs, fixes, patches, security advisories---and the state of the Linux world at large---new ports, trademark and licensing issues, where Linus is living and working, etc.
-****
-
-****Notify the Linux Documentation Project---and other pertinent sources of Linux information---about the documentation that the LUG produces: technical presentations, tutorials, local HOWTOs, etc.
-****
-
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!7. Legal and political issues
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-!!7.1 Legal issues
-
-
-
-
-
-!!7.2 United States
-
-
-
-There is a strong case to be made for formal organization of local
-LUGs. I will not make that case here. If, however, you are interested
-in formally organizing your local LUG, then this section will
-introduce you to some of the relevant issues.
-
-
-__Note:__ this section should not be construed as competent legal
-counsel. These issues require the expertise of competent legal
-counsel; you should, before acting on any of the statements made in
-this section, consult an attorney.
-
-
-There are at least two different legal statuses that a local LUG in
-the United States may attain:
-
-
-
-
-
-***#incorporation as a non-profit entity
-***#
-
-***#tax-exemption
-***#
-
-
-
-Although the relevant statutes differ from state to state, most states
-allow user groups to incorporate as non-profit entitites. The benefits
-of incorporation for a local LUG may include limitations of liability
-of LUG members and volunteers, as well as limitation or even exemption
-from state corporate franchise taxes.
-
-
-While you should consult competent legal counsel before incorporating
-your LUG as a non-profit entity, you can probably reduce your legal
-fees if you are acquainted with the relevant issues before consulting
-with an attorney. I recommend the ''Non-Lawyers Non-Profit
-Corporation Kit'' (ISBN -937434-35-3).
-
-
-As for the second status, tax-exemption, this is not a legal status so
-much as a judgment by the Internal Revenue Service. It is important
-for you to know that incorporation as a non-profit entity __does
-not__ insure that the IRS will rule that your LUG is to be
-tax-exempt. It is possible to have a non-profit corporation that is
-__not__ also tax-exempt.
-
-
-The IRS has a relatively simple document that explains the criteria
-and process for tax-exemption. It is __Publication 557:__
-''Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization''. It is available as
-an Adobe Acrobat file from the IRS's Web site. I strongly recommend
-that you read this document __before__ filing for incorporation
-as a non-profit entity. While becoming a non-profit corporation cannot
-insure that your LUG will be declared tax-exempt by the IRS, there are
-ways to incorporate that will __prevent__ the IRS from declaring
-your LUG to be tax-exempt. ''Tax-Exempt Status for Your
-Organization'' clearly sets out the necessary conditions for your
-LUG to be declared tax-exempt.
-
-
-Finally, there are resources available on the Internet for non-profit
-and tax-exempt organizations. Some of the material is probably
-relevant to your local LUG.
-
-
-
-
-!!7.3 Canada
-
-
-
-Thanks to
-Chris Browne
-for the following comments about the Canadian situation.
-
-
-
-
-
-The Canadian tax environment strongly parallels the US environment, in
-that the ``charitable organization'' status confers similar tax
-advantages for donors over mere ``not for profit'' status, while
-requiring that similar sorts of added paperwork be filed by the
-``charity'' with the tax authorities in order to attain and maintain
-certified charity status.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-!!7.4 Political issues
-
-
-
-
-Chris Browne has the
-following to say about the kinds of inter-LUG political dynamics that
-often crop up.
-
-
-
-
-!People have different feelings about free software.
-
-
-Linux users are a diverse bunch. As soon as you try to put a lot of
-them together, there are '' some '' problem issues that can come
-up.There are those that are nearly political radicals that believe
-that all software, always, should be ``free.'' Because Caldera charges
-quite a lot of money for their distribution, and doesn't give all
-profits over to '' (pick favorite advocacy organization), '' they
-must be ``evil.'' Ditto for Red Hat or S.u.S.E. Keep in mind that all
-three of these companies have made and continue to make significant
-contributions to free software.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-Others may figure that they can find some way to highly exploit the
-``freeness'' of the Linux platform for their fun and profit. Be aware
-that many users of the BSD UNIX variants consider that '' their'' licenses that '' do '' permit companies to build
-``privatized'' custom versions of their OSes are preferable to the
-``enforced permanent freeness'' of the GPL as applied to Linux. Do not
-presume that all people promoting this sort of view are necessarily
-greedy leeches.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-If these people are put together in one place, disagreements can
-occur.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-Leaders should be clear on the following facts:
-
-
-
-
-
-**** There are a lot of opinions about the GPL and how it is supposed
-to work. It is easy to misunderstand both the GPL and alternative
-licensing schemes.
-
-****
-
-**** Linux benefits from contributions from many places, and can
-support some freeloaders, particularly if this encourages more
-people to get involved, thus pulling in further contributors.
-
-****
-
-**** Many significant contributions have been made to Linux by
-commercial enterprises. Examining the sources to the Linux kernel,
-and notable subsystems such as XFree86 and GCC show a surprising
-number of commercial contributors.
-
-****
-
-**** Commercial does not always imply ``better,'' but it also does not
-always imply ``horrible.''
-
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-The main principle can be extended well beyond this; computer ``holy
-wars'' have long been waged over the virtues of one system over
-another, whether that be (in modern day) between Linux, other UNIX
-variants, and Microsoft OSes, or between the ``IBM PC'' and the various
-Motorola 68000-based systems, or between the many 8 bit systems of the
-1970s. Or of KDE versus GNOME.
-
-
-
-
-
-A wise LUG leader will seek to smooth over such differences, rather
-than inciting them. LUG leaders '' must '' have thick skins.
-
-
-
-
-
-There '' will '' be disagreements at some point as diverse
-views collide with one another, and leaders must be able to cope with
-this, resolving disagreements rather than contributing to the problem.
-
-
-
-
-!Nonprofit organizations and money don't mix terribly well.
-
-
-It is important to be quite careful in dealing with finances in a
-nonprofit organization of any sort. In businesses, where profitable
-flows of monies are the goal, people are not typically too worried
-about ``nagging details'' such as possible misspending of immaterial
-sums of money.
-
-
-
-
-
-The same cannot be said about nonprofit organizations. Some people
-are involved for reasons of principle, and can easily give minor
-problems inordinate attention. And the potential for wide
-participation at business meetings correspondingly expands the
-potential for inordinate attention to be drawn to things.
-
-
-
-
-
-As a result, it is probably preferable for there to '' not '' be
-a membership fee for a LUG, as that provides a specific thing for
-which people can reasonably demand accountability. Fees that are not
-collected cannot, by virtue of the fact that they don't exist, be
-misused.
-
-
-
-
-
-If there '' is '' a lot of money and/or other such resources
-floating around, it is important for the user group to be accountable
-to its members for it.
-
-
-
-
-
-In a vital, growing group, there should be more than one person
-involved. In troubled nonprofit organizations, financial information
-is often tightly held by someone who will not willingly relinquish
-control of funds. Ideally, there should be '' some '' rotation of
-duties in a LUG including that of control of the finances.
-
-
-
-
-
-Regular useful financial reports should be made available to those
-that wish them. A LUG that maintains an official ``charitable status''
-for tax purposes will have to file at least annual financial reports
-with the local tax authorities, which would represent a minimum
-financial disclosure for the purposes of the members.
-
-
-
-
-
-With the growth of Linux-based financial software, it should be
-readily possible to create reports on a regular basis. With the
-growth of the Internet, it should even be possible to publish these on
-the World Wide Web.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!8. About this document
-
-!!8.1 Terms of use
-
-
-
-Copyright (c) 1997 by Kendall Grant Clark. This document may be
-distributed under the terms set forth in the LDP license at
-http://sunsite.unc.edu/LDP/COPYRIGHT.html.
-
-
-
-
-!!8.2 New versions
-
-
-
-New versions of the Linux User Group HOWTO will be periodically
-uploaded to various Linux WWW and FTP sites, principally
-my homepage and
-the
-Linux Documentation Project
-
-
-
-!!8.3 Please contribute to this HOWTO
-
-
-
-
-I welcome questions about and feedback on this document. Please send
-them to me at
-kclark@cmpu.net. ''I am especially interested in
-hearing from leaders of LUGs from around the world''. I would like
-to include real-life examples of the things described here. I would
-also like to include a section on LUGs outside the United States,
-since this HOWTO as it stands now is rather US-centric. Please let me
-know if your group does things that should be mentioned in this HOWTO.
-
-
-
-
-!!8.4 Document history
-
-
-
-
-
-
-****1.0 released on 13 July 1997
-****
-
-****1.1: expanded online resources section
-****
-
-****1.3: added LUG Support Organizations and expanded the Legal and Organizational Issues section
-****
-
-****1.3.1: general editing for clarity and conciseness
-****
-
-****1.4: general editing, added new LUG resources
-****
-
-****1.4.1: general editing for clarity
-****
-
-****1.5: added some resources, some discussion of LUG documentation, also general editing
-****
-
-****1.5.1: changed Web location for this document and author's email address.
-****
-
-****1.5.2: new copyright and license
-****
-
-****1.5.3: miscellaneous edits and minor re-organizations
-****
-
-****1.6: added Chris Browne's material: Linux philanthropic
-donations and LUG political considerations
-****
-
-****1.6.1: very minor additions
-****
-
-****1.6.2: minor corrections
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-!!8.5 Acknowledgements
-
-
-
-I want to thank all the great people I've met and worked with during
-the time I've served as President of the North Texas Linux Users
-Group. They helped inspire me to use Linux full-time. The best thing
-about Linux really is the people you meet.
-
-
-I especially want to thank
-Chris Browne for describing the situation with
-non-profit and charitable groups in Canada, his thoughts on financial
-donations as a way to participate in Linux and the free software
-movement, and his ideas about the kinds of political issues that may
-arise within LUGs
.
-
-
-In addition, the following people have made helpful comments and
-suggestions:
-
-
-
-
-
-****Hugo van der Kooij
-****
-
-****Greg Hankins
-****
-
-****Charles Lindahl
-****
-
-****Rick Moen
-****
-
-****Jeff Garvas
-****
-
-****James Hertzler
-****
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----
+Describe [HowToUserGroupHOWTO]
here.
