[Charlug] Re: new affiliation with PC3.org

[Joe Josey]

I am  interested in seeing us do what we feel is best to grow CharLUG, 
Linux and F/OSS in the Metrolina area.  I feel associating CharLUG with 
PC3.org should be completely discussed and considered before we take a 
"vote" on how to proceed.

Do we know the status of PC3.org?  Are they an unincorporated user 
group, an incorporated user group, a formal organization or just a group 
with common interests?
Are they a non-profit, tax-exempt organization?
We have worked hard to achieve this status and I, for one, would not 
like to see it given up as I feel firmly that our future could be affected.
Would becoming a SIG of PC3.org require CharLUG to be subject to their 
By-Laws?  Would this conflict with our By-Laws?  Would we have any 
choice?  Would we have any input over the direction PC3.org takes in the 
future?
Would a Linux/F/OSS SIG of PC3.org be independent; ie, with it's own 
leadership, ability to set meeting days/times, able to decide on items 
such as dues, membership and voting requirements, etc.  If so, then what 
are the advantages of association again?
A broader base would have some advantages such as greater opportunity to 
get presenters, sponsors, etc. 
However, our charter is to educate and serve the Linux and F/OSS 
community, not the general PC community.  Association might give us the 
opportunity to spread the word on Linux and F/OSS, but as a SIG with 
separate meetings, etc. this could be a limited opportunity.

The more questions and discussion we have the more likely we are to make 
a good, long-term decision about this possibility.  Let's keep the talk 
and ideas going.

My 2 cents worth.
Joe
Even as a SIG of PC3.org what guarantees would CharLUG have that PC3.org 
would support (and continue to support) Linux and F/OSS?

Ken wrote:
> Because of the subject matter Pat made a contribution
> to the presentation, if I recall correctly. 
>
> On the subject of our affiliation, maybe it could be
> an unofficial affiliation, club-wise, even if some of
> us pay the $15/year dues. I mean, PC3 could have a
> Linux SIG which happens to be primarily populated by
> members of CharLUG, still an independent organization.
> We don't have to subordinate CharLUG to PC3, but
> rather affiliate our individual selves to the Linux
> SIG.
>
> Ken
>
>
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