Re: [Wlug] Musing about meetings...

How would people feel about using Google Calendar? We can embed the calendar on the website and provide an ICS download link for anyone who doesn't want to use a Google account. For those who don't mind using a Google account, they can subscribe directly to the calendar and get updates in real time. The only think Google cannot do is invite non-Google/Gmail accounts directly (well it can, but then it asks the recipient to create a Google account), although we may be able to hack something to allow the wlug list to get reminder emails from it. On Thu, Oct 09, 2014 at 09:50:06AM -0400, Joel wrote:

I guess my email started this, so it is only fair to share.

Tim hit it right on the head with scheduling being crazy for some involved. On my end, my family starts discussing if and how I make WLUG around Tuesday evening (for Thursday meeting). A decade ago I merely drove in WPI direction that evening after work (keys -> drive through -> WLUG) .

Prior monthly meetings without a discussion / reminder / email have ended with two or less people showing up. Not a big vote for the meeting being 2nd Thursday no matter what. For that reason WLUG likely needs some remind or "buzz" (email, discussion, reminder, ...) the week of meeting (even for a roundtable) .

I would not push for WLUG using a paid (or free) 3rd party site for who is / isn't going. First, not sure I would use /login to it. Second, if 3 people or more show, it's a meeting (think 2 or less hampers discussion). . I am sooooo past only going if John Smith goes...

As to which evening, Wednesdays compete with three other things, two fixed and one floating Wednesday. . Thursdays, the second (or any) would be my preference.

I would vote for Tim's auto WLUG reminder.

Also, possibly combined with an ICS type meeting invite email. Choosing to approve meeting once could get it on everyone's electronic calendar perpetually.

Thank you,

Joel

On October 8, 2014 8:29:26 PM Tim Keller wrote:

Okay Gang,

In the 10+ years that this group has been in existence many of us have gotten married, had a couple of kids, etc. This means that planning for a WLUG meeting needs to happen in a much more scheduled manner. Sending out a meeting reminder the day before a meeting just doesn't cut it anymore. I've spoken with Chuck and things are going to be changing.

However, before we do anything, I think it makes sense to ask some questions.

Does the first Wednesday of every month work for everybody?

Would going back to the Wed/Thurs alternating schedule work better for people?

What I'd like to implement is an automated meeting system that'll automatically send a reminder at the beginning of the month and then a subsequent reminder the day or two before.

I'd love input on this.

Thanks, Tim.

-- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".