[TriZPUG] Triangle Python User Group
Curt Stump
curt at curtstump.com
Sat Mar 24 03:58:54 CET 2012
Thanks Calvin, for reading all that, and responding. I've arranged free
speakers for events in advance, so when I say "arrange" I just mean
schedule in advance. Maybe for point number 5 (connecting with
newcomers) I should say it this way: the group could benefit by creating
a better way for newcomers to learn about members of the group and what
they work on, etc. I don't see a group email list as the best tool for
that, though it does have other strengths like the straight-to-the-inbox
feature. Anyway, thanks for reading/commenting.
Curt
On 3/23/12 5:57 PM, Calvin Spealman wrote:
>
>
> On Fri, Mar 23, 2012 at 5:39 PM, Curt Stump <curt at curtstump.com
> <mailto:curt at curtstump.com>> wrote:
>
> Hi TriZPUG,
>
> Since the group is in the process of rethinking its focus I'm
> going to go out on a dangerous limb here and provide feedback as a
> newcomer to the group. I've attended only a few meetups. Keep in
> mind, what follows is just my /opinion/.
>
> If you are interested in newcomers:
> 1) *A name change is a fantastic idea*. I avoided coming for
> several months initially simply because of the Zope
> reference/focus. I am seeking Python.
> 2) *Use the meetup website *instead of mail lists and trizpug
> website. Benefits: A) the group looks bigger and more active to
> newcomers [and importantly to those who are considering joining],
> B) group communication will be easier than the
> mixed/top/bottom/full replies that now show up in long email
> chains. Members would of course need to join meetup but that's
> pretty easy. Then to attend specific meetups you simply click
> "attend" in an email that's sent to you. It's a pretty easy way
> to increase your online visibility as a group.
>
>
> I'll be doing my part to encourage meetup.com <http://meetup.com>
> usage, and I would really like to see more people /actually/ RSVP.
> This does make the group look more attractive to others. Seeing zero
> or a few people listed as attending, even when more showed up, is only
> bad PR for us, so I agree here.
>
> However, I don't think we will or should move from the mailing list..,
> fact is, a mailing list is a tried and truish communication tool for
> technical groups and a lot of us are familiar with them, and they let
> you see whats going on without having to go out to yet another site to
> check for updates. My email inbox is my life inbox!
>
> 3) *Arrange a speaker in advance* for each month. Advantages:
> speaker has time to prepare a good presentation, and members will
> know about the topic in advance (and can publicize it). Putting
> this information on meetup also gives newcomers an idea of what to
> expect over time.
>
>
> Speakers cannot be "arranged" when they are free, but anyone can
> volunteer. We could, of course, encourage this sooner/louder.
>
> Want to present something in April? Let us know!
>
> One idea: maybe we could alternate lightning talk and single longer
> talks, and on the lightning talk months we'll have time to find and
> encourage a more prepared full talk for the next month.
>
> 4) *Leave plenty of time for open discussion*, lightning talks,
> etc. (something you are already doing). This means there is
> always a reason to come to the meetups independent of topic.
>
>
> There is always time to discuss afterwards, too, when we go out for
> drinks.
>
> 5) *Connect with newcomers*, even if this means spending a bit of
> extra effort. What I seek from a local Python group is not just a
> meetup once per month but people I can interact with about Python
> in the meantime (even if briefly via twitter or any quick means).
> The trizpug group email list is an option for this, but I don't
> see the list being used this way (which I think is actually a good
> thing). Summary on this point: existing members probably already
> have a local Python network whereas newcomers may not. You can
> help them get connected, even by simply encouraging existing
> members to reach out to new members.
>
>
> As a newcomer you are connecting right here, right now. What are you
> working on? What are you interested in? Let us know (on a different
> thread)!
>
> 6) *Ask for feedback.* Quick feedback (even anonymous if desired)
> is easy with a tool like Survey Monkey for example (or even
> directly on meetup.com <http://meetup.com> for simple polls).
> Also, members could set up surveys to test practically any idea
> with the group, such as identifying potential speakers, desired
> topics, group meeting times or location preferences, etc.
>
> Remember, this is just my opinion, I'm not planning to defend any
> of those points. Take them if they make sense for your group,
> otherwise just leave them. Also I'm happy to volunteer time to
> the group in areas where I can. Thanks for hosting the meetups --
> I've enjoyed them so far and hope to make future ones.
>
> Curt Stump
> email: create at curtstump.com <mailto:create at curtstump.com>
> linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/curtstump
> <http://www.linkedin.com/in/curtstump>
> twitter: @CurtStump
>
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>
>
>
>
> --
> Read my blog! I depend on your acceptance of my opinion! I am interesting!
> http://techblog.ironfroggy.com/
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>
>
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