usergroup names
usergroup names
- Subject: usergroup names
- From: email@hidden
- Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 23:58:30 -0600
I received this message from our user group V.P. Of SIGS.
(We are a SIG under a PC user group)
The OKCPCUG board met today and we discussed the fall off of attendance
at our SIGs. We are looking for ways to improve this situation.
One suggestion made was that we quit using the name SIG, since new
people do not know what a Special Interest Group is and SIG sounds too
advanced for beginners. Maybe we should just call them Classes. This
would simplify the name situation be less intimidating to beginners.
Another problem we discussed was that most people felt the material
covered by our SIGs is too advanced and the beginners feel discouraged.
Possibly we could run our SIGs as Classes and schedule the material
covered for a definite period with a starting date and an ending date.
That way each Class could start at the beginner's level and work up to
the advanced level over a certain period of time, such as six months or
a year. That way a person could attend the Class at a time when he felt
comfortable in terms of computer knowledge.
I would like to know if you think these two ideas have merit. The Board
is anxious to find a way to attract more people to our SIGs and these
two ideas have been mentioned. Let me know if you have any other
suggestions for improving our attendance and whether you think these two
suggestions would work for you and your SIG.
Isaac Franklin
V.P. SIGs
some replies.
reply 1
I agree that the SIG name is confusing to guests and prospective
members. However - I also think the name "PC User Group" is
confusing and out of date. You don't hear 'PC' much any more. A name
such as Oklahoma City Computer Club would seem more direct and
explanatory to prospective members. It would also embrace the
MacIntosh folks. The 'SIGs' could then be called a Group with the
'Club' Have you considered such a name change that might give some
new life to the organization ?
As far as SIG format, I think classes for beginning, intermediate and
advance are a good idea - if you have the leaders available to teach the
classes. I think you will have people seeking the beginners classes
continually and they don't want to wait 6 months till the next class
starts.
Our Genealogy group seems to keep good attendance the way we are and I
don't think we want to experiment with new format at this point.
just my thoughts - Jim
reply 2
Hi friends,
I agree with Jim on the new name: Oklahoma City Computer Club, because
I am a Mac user and the "PC" designation designated me a stepchild.
Oklahoma City Computer Club is a very long name, not press release
friendly. We could shorten the name and widen the scope with OK
COMPUTER CLUB (expanding to statewide interest).
I also agree with the OKCPCUG director it would be good public relations
to change the SIG name to either "Classes" or "Groups". I've been a
member for a long time and still have to THINK hard to define the
acronyms, because all newcomers ask.
My favorite "classes" are when someone demonstrates how and when to use
a software program, such as Photoshop, Filemaker, or even simple ones
like Word -- which has many little-known capabilities. I would think
the computer business sales people would be happy to do a demonstration
and have copies of the program there for sale in both platforms.
My two cents,
Carolyn
reply 3
(this one was more addressed to me)
Looks like the board wants a more structured class so that the beginner
and the advanced user can determine which class will help them. Guess
it would change the name name from MAC SIG to Mac Classes. This would
need something to talk about. Maybe the OS 10.3 or something about the
iLife '04. Since we been hooking up the old MAC's you might have
something on network or using the internet. Not sure how you could
structure the class so that it would catch the beginner and then
advance and then drop back and start over after several months.
Cleo
reply 4
I remember I was confused with the "sig" name and had to ask what it
meant.
Maybe "Computer Club" would be a more apt name, and the various sub-groups
could just be called "groups"..
I personally have no problem with "sig", but changing it to "group" might
clear up some confusion.
I don't know how to improve attendance. Seems participation in most groups
is down right now. Maybe it is a seasonal thing, I don't know. I do know
that while I have the conflict with my yoga classes I am unable to attend
since I just don't want to go anywhere else after teaching two classes! May
be my age is catching up with me???
BTW - to change the subject - my computer could use a "spring cleaning" like
you gave it last year. Since I am not coming to the meetings, do you make
house calls? If so, could we work something out? I am cleaning out my hard
drive as best I can by deleting old files but I think you used some file
last year to really delete and clean up the drive.
eln
So, what i'm asking is, do you think the word "Club" would be an
appropriate name? Is there a better word?
Charles lenington
Macintosh SIG Leader
Oklahoma City PC Users Group
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