[Charlug] Questions about the Charlotte Area

[Don Parris]

Hi Jennifer,

I'm the current Chairman.  See my response in-line below...

On Dec 26, 2007 2:24 PM, Jennifer Leadbetter <jleadbet at emich.edu> wrote:

>
>
> Hello All :)
>
> I don't live in the Charlotte area yet, but I subscribed to the group
> because there is a possibility that I might be moving out this way in
> the near future.  Currently I live in Michigan in the Ann Arbor area,
> but my husband's company is planning on moving to North Carolina
> sometime next year, and we'll be deciding whether or not to follow the
> company when we get more information.
>

I once got snowed in in Ann Arbor visiting friends - years ago. :-)  Haven't
been up that way in a while, but never got the fun that was (for me,
anyway)!


>
> What I was hoping is that you all might be able to give me and my
> husband some general information on your group and the area.  How large
> is your LUG group, and how would you characterize yourselves? :)  Are
> there other similar types of groups in the area?
>

Our LUG currently consists of two small group meetings each month, with
normally less than a dozen people at either meeting.  I'm not able to attend
the Tuesday evening meetings, so one of the others could tell you more about
that.  On Saturdays, though, we are currently discussing some basic-level
stuff, since a few of the folks are new to GNU/Linux, or just have expertise
in specific areas.  I would characterize us as in desperate need of people
willing to put some elbow grease into the admin-level participation.
Otherwise, we are well-connected with Central Piedmont Community College,
which is starting to bring some students into the group.

I haven't seen much participation across sexual/cultural lines.  I don't
know if people just don't know about us, or if they feel a LUG is
irrelevant, but anyone is welcome to attend and participate.  We're open to
constructive criticism, should you find that necessary.


>
> I hope it's not too off topic, but I'm also interested in people who can
> share information on other interests that, while not directly
> computer-related, are often shared by people who like computers.  For
> example, Michigan hosts a lot of sci-fi/fantasy conventions, as well
> as my favorite, Penguicon (a Linux con).  :)  It has a couple of
> Renaissance festivals, anime is publicly screened at the local
> universities, and LARPs are held at many of the local parks.  Does
> Charlotte and the surrounding area host a lot of these activities as well?
>

I know of Penguicon from attending the Ohio LinuxFest.  Haven't been to one,
but believe we should have some sort of event here in the Carolinas.  There
are other geek groups in the area, but I haven't had much opportunity to
interact with them.

>
> How "geek-friendly" would you all rate the Charlotte area?
>

Seems o.k. to me, but I don't know that it's exceptional.  Of course, the
LUG is my only real interaction with geek Charlotte.  CPCC does have a tech
fest (forget what it's called), and seems to draw a bit of attention.


>
> I hope this post is appropriate for the forum, but if it isn't please
> let me know and I would be more than happy to take emails off-list or
> post elsewhere.  Thanks for any help or information that people would
> like to share. :)
>
> Your post is fine.




-- =

D.C. Parris
Minister, Journalist, Free Software Advocate
https://www.xing.com/profile/Don_Parris
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dcparris
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