@Caziz - the payment system is suffering from Inertia. The way it is
currently done is the same way it was done 10+ years ago. There are a
few of us on the list who have that sort of history here. :) So maybe
it is time to consider updating the system. A tiny bit of effort could
make PayPal an option, or custom integration with something like
Stripe.com. Heck, the group can even sign up for a Square reader so
credit cards can be taken at the meetings. There are more options today
than there were 10 years ago.
@Ron Edwards - some of us have been around long enough to understand WHY
things are the way they are, and have watched the decline of CLUG over
the years. I believe what we are seeing now is the system reaching
small enough numbers that the established protocols begin to fall apart.
Pprotocols that were made for a time when we would see 60+ T2 members
at any given time, and 100+ occasionally making it out to meetings. The
system does need a reboot with some consideration for the current
interest levels, and newer technology. But that takes discussion,
focus, and most importantly time. Us "old timers" of the group have
grown up and have families, businesses, and larger lives that may not
include Tech as much as we'd like anymore.
While the current discussion seems a little disjointed, and maybe a
little emotionally charged, I see it as a healthy thing. To me the key
question that is being skirted around is these two points:
1) Is CLUG still relevant given the current technology environments.
2) Is there enough interest in the city to maintain the group -
structurally and financially.
If the group can answer "YES" to both, then focus can shift to how to
rebuild membership. But doing so without asking those questions is
proceeding without a clear mandate/direction.
As for the business structure of the group, unless something has changed
that I am not aware of, CLUG is already a non-profit society - with the
official name of "Calgary Linux Users Guild", I believe. It should not
be difficult to determine who can modify the domain name, and the domain
name is NOT the registered business name, so it can change hands if
desired. Personally, I don't see why the CLUG business structure or
domain name needs to change, other than reflecting the renewed
interest/structure.
Wordpress is just the CMS in use at the moment. Before that was Drupal.
Before that was PHPNuke. Someone on the list has the credentials to
access the site files and things can be changed there if/when needed.
@ Ron again - you had a number of very pointed questions for me. I
understand you are looking for understanding, but I have not really been
an active member of CLUG for about 3 years, at least - maybe longer. So
I am not the best person to tell you why things are the way they are
RIGHT NOW.
What I can tell you is a little from the historical perspective.
- In the past when we had regular monthly meetings attended by 20 to 100
people at a time, the full exec was there more often than not. It was
not a problem to pay dues at the meeting then. But that also meant that
the Treasurer and/or Secretary were on hand to handle that and because
of that it became the entrenched way to do things. Times change though,
and as you've noted there seems to be an access issue there. See my
notes above about payment systems that may rectify the problem.
- The CLUG bank account required two signatures when I was prez. But
that was 2006. I have no clue what state the bank account is in these
days. It would seem to me that would be a very good early question for
the next president.
- As for what I would do if I had answers to most your questions. Well,
I see a flawed system. If I were in a position of responsibility - such
as one of the board members - and saw such a situation, I would rectify
it. I'm not adverse to throwing out old systems that are not as
effective as a newer system.
- As for the "wasted time" comments, the word "waste" does not appear in
my email. What I alluded to was a shift in life priorities. In the past
year alone I've inherited a troubled teen, am in a legal battle for
custody of said Teen's younger sister, and may inherit two others before
the summer is out. In addition I have had a year of financial and
business difficulties. So yeah, my time and my priorities are not
aligned with CLUG at this time. My conscience is clear in this area though.
@ the group in general
- if the current process is busted, fix it. Trust me, if you can solve
a problem before the Exec gets to it, more than likely they will simply
thank you for your efforts, buy you a beer, or offer their appreciation
in other ways - you will not get berated or anything. CLUG is a
reflection of the interests of the current members, and always has been.
Sorry, my thought pattern seems to have hit a few bumps. But I think I
have covered everything that was on my mind. I too am writing emails
when I really should be in bed... :)
Shawn
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