Meetings' Structure was: How is ITEC going?

[Marvin [GodfatherofSoul] Bellamy]

How true.  With Linux, it's not just making the effort to figure things 
out, it's taking the time to do it.  Sorry, but I would never recommend 
Linux to anyone without some advanced computer knowledge.  Normal 
installs on factory machines should work well, but the window of 
user-friendly Linux configuration is pretty narrow.  It doesn't take 
much to need some very advanced help.  I've had so many issues that have 
taken days, weeks, or even months to figure out that I can't imagine the 
average Joe having the patience.

JD Runyan wrote:

>I hope you don't consider yourself an evangelist, because when someone
>can install windows, and often have all these things just work within
>the first night, then why would it be worth the effort for them to spend
>more than a month to just meet someone who can help them.  I'm sorry,
>but that is just stupid.  That is why people outside the Linux community
>view Linux as an OS for geeks only.  I participate in the mail list of a
>group in San Diego, and they spend a lot of time making an environment
>that newbies can come to, and leave with a fully working Linux PC. 
>Maybe if KCLIG wants to evangelize, then they need to rethink having an
>unbending atitude like yours.  It is completely possible to have
>meetings(regular social events centered around a common interest in
>Linux) and having strictly instructional, structured meetings.  Yes,
>this would take a number of the group members efforts to pull off.
>
>On Mon, 2002-10-14 at 12:51, Jared Smith wrote:
>
>>Linux is composed of people who scratch itches. 
>>You are describing an itch. Scratch it.
>>
><snip>
>
>>Then come to a meeting and do it. Start with what you know.
>>
><snip> 
>
>>Great. Learn how to do it, and do it. Partner with someone who knows more.
>>It might mean you have to show up at meetings five times before you
>>know someone well enough, but surely it's worth the effort.
>>
><snip> 
>
>>Keep working. You'll get it eventually. That is a principle which is true
>>no matter where you are, or what you're learning. There is no need to
>>spoon-feed Linux. But then again, I'm in the Debian camp when it comes
>>to distribution philosophy, even though the only distro I've been able to
>>get running is Lycoris (Redmond Linux).
>>
>>Some day I'll get Debian running, yes sir, someday...
>>
>>-Jared
>>
>