Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo February 2010 General Meeting

Happy Lunar New Year! Let's Learn and Share, the Ubuntu Way!

You are encouraged to read the whole page. If you don't have the time, here's the stuff to remember:

a. RSVP. It's really important. http://www.meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver/calendar/12398191/
b. We start promptly at 6:30pm. Location below (see "Where").
c. It's about building local community, not just software.
d. Sharing food and drinks helps build community.
e. Bring a chair if you can.

Some Background Information

Ubuntu is all about community. Our meetings are designed to be friendly, welcoming, and non-intimidating for all. No computer experience is assumed or required. We meet to share ideas about freedom in computing through the use of Ubuntu and also to build relationships in our community that transcend the stereotypical "user group" or "computer club".

In this spirit, please consider bringing a guest or two to this meeting, ideally someone who normally wouldn't attend a "computer club" type of event (a friend, significant other, family member.) We promise to make it interesting for everyone who attends! And don't forget to add them to your RSVP if they're not already a meetup member.

Our Theme for the evening is under development. Here is our agenda (so far):

Agenda (Proposed)

If you would like to volunteer to talk, to demo, or to be part of the organizing team please contact the organizer (email at the bottom of this page).

Presentation: "Stuff That's Generally and Locally Interesting"

Our Buzz Generator will challenge the audience, or at least provide some mild entertainment.

Lightning Talk: <Topic Under Development>

An Ubuntu Vancouver member will present something about Ubuntu that fascinates and motivates!

Break, Socializing, Refreshments, and Rescue Centre

Our members meet, mingle and enjoy the food and beverages that everyone brought to share. (See Notes A & B below). Would you like to "Chime In? Are you a "One Trick Pony?" Sign-in during the break and get on the agenda.

Lightning Talk: "Moodle Co-ops in Vancouver"

Students are demanding more and more web-based educational services from elementary school to university. The most popular free and open-source software in BC (and the world) built to deliver these services is Moodle. It is also a serious contender in the social media field, especially for organisations requiring some form of mentored or evaluated web-based training. This talk will open your eyes, wide.

The Audience Chimes In

A few rapid talks without computers, 3 minutes or less, moderated and audience driven. (Sign-up during the meeting break.)

One Trick Pony!

Do you have an amazing Ubuntu trick or tip using a computer? Can you show it in 3 minutes or less? We'll have a demo system plugged in and ready to go. You supply the demo. (Sign-up during the meeting break.)

** The slang term “One Trick Pony” is used to refer to that which can only be used for one very specific application. The term is also sometimes used to describe people; for example, a programmer who can only write bugs might be known as a one trick pony. The term is generally used in a disparaging way and as a result most people try to avoid becoming a one trick pony for this very reason. Don't worry, we won't use the term against you. At our event, "One Trick Pony" is a compliment.

Wrap-Up

Our Buzz Generator wraps up the evening. Parting words, door prizes and more!

Where

Dharmalab
Vancouver, BC V5L 1M5

For full location, time, and directions, please RSVP and see our listing on meetup.com: http://www.meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver/calendar/12398191/
Plans sometimes change, so please RSVP above to ensure that you are updated in the event we need to move to bigger space, or for any other important news about this meeting.

Important Notes

a. Treats

Members usually bring treats to share with everyone, potluck style. It's not required, but we certainly welcome it, as it helps create a more friendly environment for socializing, especially given that many people come to our meetings directly from work. And, if you're not comfortable preparing or sharing drinks/food for others, please consider picking something up from your nearest supermarket, bakery, pub on the way over. (Examples of what members have brought to previous meetings: sandwiches, sushi rolls, cupcakes, muffins, veggies, cookies, tangerines, nuts, coffee, tea, juice, pop, wine, ... the list is growing!)

b. Rescue Centre

In parallel with the latter half of the meeting we host a Rescue Centre. If you have an Ubuntu issue that you just can't seem to figure out, this will be the place for you! Expert(s) will be on hand to help triage issues and to provide suggestions. (Please remember to RSVP with a comment on the type of assistance that you will need. Also remember that this is time-limited so it's probably not realistic to expect a complete reinstall or something very detailed. For intense help, consider coming to a Support Saturday.)

c. Chairs

We never seem to have enough. If you are driving, please consider throwing an extra folding chair (or two) in your trunk on the way over. We promise not to hurt them, and the meeting is more comfortable when everyone has a seat.

d. Still Want More?

After the meeting some members continue socializing nearby on "The Drive". For those who want to mingle with Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo folks, in a less formal (restaurant/patio) setting, please plan to join us after the meeting. (If there is an "after-event", the venue will be announced as part of the meeting wrap-up.)

Contact

Please e-mail <randall@executiv.es> to get involved.

Stay tuned for more updates.