[tlug] I'd like to help TLUG, but...

["Shannon Jacobs" <shannon.jacobs@example.com>]

Not to imply that TLUG needs any help, but "help" in the sense of
making some constructive contribution to the group and to the wider
adoption of Linux (and perhaps even some destructive contribution to
Microsoft's attacks on personal freedom). TLUG actually seems to be
doing well enough in its own cute little way. I don't see any special
problems existing now that can only be addressed by my unique
contributions. Speculations about possible improvements also seem
pointless. The spokesmen of TLUG seem satisfied enough with how things
are.

Conversely, I even think I was willing to seek help from TLUG in
addressing my Linux-related problems. However, I just don't feel like
there's been enough help received to justify the (to me) somewhat long
trips to Tokyo. As concrete examples, in the last few weeks I've been
wrestling with upgrade and swap partition issues, and I have mostly
overcome them without any assistance from TLUG. Ergo, I seem to be
doing well enough vis-à-vis Linux in my own little way. However, it is
my essential nature to continue seeking more understanding...

I think if this were some sort of divorce proceedings, perhaps it
would be filed under 'uncontested for reasons of mutual
incompatibility'. TLUG will continue to do its little things, whatever
they are, and I'll do mine.

Does it matter? I am certainly *NOT* claiming to be some sort of
spokesman for the big wide world beyond TLUG. I write solely on my own
behalf (and in particular I cannot speak as a representative of my
employer's views of Linux (though I do have quite a bit of contact
with some of our own Linux people)). However, I do feel like I'm
pretty firmly rooted in reality. Computers are a significant part of
my reality, but I don't allow them to dominate it. My computers are
simply tools, and my objective is to use my tools for various
real-world objectives. I want to use them as effectively as possible
and with minimal overhead. I think some of the Ubuntu Linux developers
understand and share that philosophy, but the Linux User Groups with
which I am familiar mostly do not.

Another disclaimer? Nor do I feel that everyone (or anyone) should
adopt any of my perspectives. However, that doesn't mean that I view
all perspectives as equally valid. In particular, I am troubled by
unresolved contradictions that attempt to 'live together'. For
example, there are some perspectives in TLUG in favor of encouraging
wider adoption of Linux, and others that dismiss proselytizing as some
sort of business proposition. Fedora Core. 'Nuff said, and it seems to
be pointless to continue that discussion...

I always felt that one of the most preposterous criticisms of Linux
was that "Linux doesn't scale for large real-world problems", but at
this point I do believe that "Linux user groups don't scale to the
real world." Me? I'm still interested in the real world über alles.