[SGVLUG] [OT] the social side of Linux users (was: Summertime conflicts..._

[Emerson, Tom (*IC)]

> -----Original Message----- Of David Lawyer
> Any responsible organization must face up to it's competition.  

Whoa -- time out -- you think we're actually an /organization/, much
less a /responsible/ one?  Gee, I thought we were the embodiment of an
Anarchy :)

Really, you guys are taking this much too seriously -- of course there
are going to be "conflicts" -- concerts, dog-obedience schools, soccer
practice, or just "out to enjoy the sunset" -- it doesn't mean that the
world will come to an end if it gets mentioned, or even if it DOESN'T
get mentioned.

OTOH, in an attempt to combat the generally-perceived "nerdiness" of
Linux users, I will, from time to time, mention OT subjects that are
more of a "social" nature.  Sadly, the "twilight dance" is ALWAYS on
thursdays, so just mentioning it automatically brings along some excess
baggage.

I know David has always been a proponent of having a longer "social"
period during meetings, but it isn't always practical.  Sure, everyone
is welcome to arrive early to chat or whatever, but with work schedules
and freeway conditions as they are, many folks cannot make it before 7
(or even 7:30 it seems).  We DO try to get folks to attend the
after-the-meeting-(social)-meeting (which then evolves into the
after-the-after meeting, held on the sidewalk until either the stench
from the back of the kitchen drives us away or everyone gets too
cold/tired/whatever to continue talking.  So far, it hasn't been "until
the sun comes up", but I'm sure there will be a day when...)

The downside to meeting (and eating) after is twofold -- one is the
lateness of the hour, the second is that we end up seated "at a table",
which sometimes makes it awkward or difficult for folks to talk to
others if they end up too far apart.  [some people feel that they "must"
order something and either due to limited funds or sensitive stomachs,
they decide not to attend.  To be honest, you could just drink water and
snack on the chips-n-salsa.  Sure, I'll bet they'll look at us funny if
EVERYBODY decided to "just drink water", but unless we coordinate this
for, say, an "april fools" joke, it just won't happen...]