User groups
by Volker Weber
This posting is not going to be particularly popular with Ben, but I have to ask this question:
What is the difference between a Notes User Group and a Notes User Group? One of them does not seem to belong.
Comments
Hm, one seems to be rather a blog of some kind than a notes-user focused website or the website of a notes-user focused group respectively. Or can anyone explain the direct link between notes-users and an (admittedly impressive) juggler, GoogleMaps on your mobile, a virtual keyboard for smartphones or reasons for not using Skype anymore?
To suggest an answer - DNUG is obviously a mature and large user group with a lot of resource, whereas the other is a new user group with little resource.
I guess blogging more "personally" and regularly is a way of attracting user participation and growing the base and resources. A pretty standard sales tactic - get to know your consumer base (as when you are growing a new user group thats what they are - and I bet its hard work to get it going) and let them get to know you.
Don't get me wrong, it was not my intention to judge the content of the LNUG UK, absolutely not.
The Irish Notes User Group s a small group with little resources and they opted to use a QuickPlace, a much better decision in my opinion. people interested in being members can register, put stuff in the discussion area, etc whereas a blog really is a oneway communcation tool.
I agree Declan - the lnug does have a forum as well - so that adds some of the two way.
LNUG UK is where Ben Rose now blogs. Here is an explanation:
http://www.jaffacake.net/BensBlog.nsf
In fairness, LNUG have a forum too, but the link to it is not all that prominent.
Weblogs have a place in user group websites, no question (cf. the "group blog" on lotususergroup.org) but the home page of lnug does smack of "just" being a blog site.
Ahem... a blog is a one-way tool??? Guys, what we are doing here is actually the proof of blogs being the opposite!!! Aren't we just in the discussion about something that has been posted? The only difference between this and a forum is that no everyone can make an initial post (ok, I'm speaking from a slightly privileged position here ;-)), but doesn't that also help to make the platform more focused?
I see your point Volker. I wouldn't use the OpenNTF blog or the Taking Notes blog for stuff that wasn't related to the development of the community or the group. If the UK User Group supports the authors selection of content then I guess it's ok. I would suggest that the author return to his personal blog for some of the content.
Just my 2 cents.
