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.
>   * Support GNU/Linux and free software / open source development
>     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.