LDUG site is up!
 

As mentioned in tableteer's meetup thread (Offtopc section), I have created a domain (ldug.org) for an impending Linux Device User Group. I hope to make this an international effort but right now I'm starting small (me).

I could use any sort of assistance in this area, as I have zero experience in such a thing. Obviously I'll need to develop a charter, register the organization, etc.

Right now the site resides on a Windows server (it's what i had, so :p) but I would expect to eventually correct that. ;)

Many thanks to tableteer for inspiring the idea, even if indirectly. I'm thinking this could be the platform whereby the community can communicate more effectively with Nokia and other companies working in the same space.

Feedback welcome!

EDIT: links and pretty pictures added. ;)

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Nice!
Where do I send pics?
:)

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

The email address on Contact page (extrapolated).

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Well, I see a lot of views on the thread but so far little feedback, either here, on my poll or in other areas where I've broached it. Perhaps there really isn't any interest. I'll let the idea simmer for a while before sinking any serious effort and expense into it...

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

I sm working on getting some pics but I still dont see the link on the contacts :)

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

It's not a link. I'm getting too much spam so I spelled out my email address. But it's there. :p

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

I'm probably the only 770 user in the Mediterranean :-D

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Well, I was looking at a broader scope, and in fact I would think a user group could help you (and I) not be so lonely. :D

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

lol. if you need any help count me in.
oh btw one of those slide on covers you had sent me has transformed itself into a very sturdy car mount. Thanks again!

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Glad to be of service.

EDIT: *if* I proceed with starting this up, the new server will run me about $10 per month, and I'll need some free tools for creating a user group site (portal with region support, etc). But I need to know there's an interest first.

Anyone familiar with TikiWiki?

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Great idea Texrat! And thanks for including my sites in the links section too. :D I'm doing some experiments with Flash content for the 770 these days, but I'll be happy to offer my spare time to help out if you need it. Count me in.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Oh that's you, Texrat! I just plugged you here!

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

ROFL, ThoughtFix. That's too funny!

...can I count on you as a charter member? ;)

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

I find the idea interesting. What kind of help / contribution do you need?

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Count on me. I have a dedicated server if you find yourself paying for hosting. When it's official and ready, I'll put permalinks on all my blogs and pimp it in the several support communities I moderate.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Well, I will undoubtedly have to pay, as I already am for my existing host. So what are you suggesting, Daniel? A sub-lease? Is your server running linux?

As for what kind of help, at this point it will be in setting up the site on the proper server, installing a wiki/portal (I think TikiWiki will work), gathering info on establishing oragnizations like this (I've never done it), creating a charter... all the work that goes into something like this. I have a friend who has run similar groups so I'll be pestering him for guidance. I'm open to anything; just because I launched the thing doesn't mean I intend to own it. ;)

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

My server is running linux and I can host any site for free as long as it is not a profit site and the bandwidth stays under an average of around 1Mbps - so no streaming stations ;)

In addition to the NITs (I've been calling my Nokia Internet Tablets NITs lately) don't forget to list:
-Chumby
-Sharp Zaurus
-Linksys WRT-54GL
-Tivo

And more Linux powered devices. If at all possible, I'd suggest you try to foster a relationship among developers of all those platforms so people can develop toolchains where a cool app on the Zaurus can easily be ported to the NIT or the Chumby.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

I use to develop for openWRT. WRT54G and GS

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Good input guys!

Here's what I'm thinking: in trying to avoid overlap, I don't want to get deeply into the OS itself, nor into the realm of desktops and servers. Laptops I'm on the fence about.

So the list of covered areas as I see it would be:

1. Internet tablets (all makes)
2. Entertainment devices (MP3 players, etc)
3. Routers and similar equipment
4. Controls (TV remotes, etc)
5. Cell phones

That look right? Obviously the emphasis would be on using Linux (especially embedded) to run mobile and related communications devices.

Daniel, I anticipate that *if* this grows bandwidth could be an issue. Therefore since 1and1 charges so little for such great service I'll probably go ahead and lease a host for that $10 or so per month. I already have an account with them so I'll just expand it. Then I'll transfer the ldug domain over and start creating a wiki. I'll have to setup a MySQL database (I am a SQL Server expert but MySQL will be new territory), configure the community portal, etc. That's where I'll need real assistance: I've been a Microsoft developer for over 20 years and partner for about 10, and Linux is VERY new to me. What I'll need is a cabal of maybe 4 or 5 founding members with a variety of skills so we can divide the work up. Since I'm weak in the exact developer skills needed I'll focus on administrative stuff such as registration as well as graphics, text content, networking, etc.

I'm seeing more poll responses so maybe it's heating up...

EDIT: oh, and many thanks to =DC= for the very first contrbution! That will handle month 1. But I don't expect anyone to follow suit just yet, not until it gets rolling.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Not a problem. I've worked at a web hosting company for the last five years and have almost 10 years experience with Apache. ;)

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

You're hired. Congratulations, LDUG webmaster! ;)

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Webmaster? Nnnnoooo. I can't code my way out of a wet paper bag. I can do all the sysadmin work you need, though. Just don't ask me to do creative design. I kinda stink at that.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

So you're looking at kind of a cross between Linux on Laptops and Linux Devices? Sounds good. I also like the post earlier in the thread about fostering toolchain/porting compatibility from one device to another. As a longtime Zaurus user, there's a few apps there that have no good equivalent on the N800 yet (like opie-reader!).

I'm not much of a developer, nor webmaster, but this sounds intriguing.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Ok Daniel, just poking ya. ;) I can handle the coding *eventually*... just gotta get used to a different set of tools.

As to gsagers post, are you saying there are existing groups in this space? If so, I may want to reconsider this venture. I just didn't find any when I looked.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Just letting everyone know: I have some updates to make to the site but my home PC is acting up (^%&$%# Windows). So far my recovery efforts haven't helped and I may need to reinstall the OS. *sigh* So, no updates for the next few days at least.

Anyway, thanks to Thoughtfix for the photos-- I look forward to getting some of them on the site. I will probably add links to the Gallery page you your galleries for anyone interested in seeing the rest.

EDIT: normally I'm not in the habit of publicly quoting emails but this one should be no problem. I received it from a gentleman involved with Wikipug and think it merits some attention--

This is the first time I've seen mention of that site, and I can definitely see the possibility of synergy here. I will keep an open dialog with Craig on the subject. More to come!

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

did you recive my pics?

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

I'll check, Serial, but I don't think so...

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

I seend it to the address on the contact tabs.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Understood... I just haven't seen anything show up in my inbox, other than Thoughtfix's.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Okay, ldug was "asleep" for a while, but the opportunity to reboot is here.

The goals are still the same, the scope is still the same-- with the exception of partnering with zerojay and sponsoring jablet.net/.org as a resource. It's a perfect fit.

As I thaw this effort back out, one thing I want to do is create a local chapter to help develop the concept. So here's an open invitation to all DFW (Texas) tablet users: those interested are needed to form the first local chapter. I know there are many owners near me, especially in Fort Worth. Respond back to this thread if you are interested, along with your general area (no addresses needed). From there we'll work out a meeting place and times. Hopefully we can find some sort of mid-cities resource offering free wifi that will tolerate a small assembly of ubergeeks. :D

EDIT: I found links on creating user groups and want to save them, so...

http://www.linux.org/docs/ldp/howto/...oup-HOWTO.html

http://www.tux.org/meet.html

http://linuxmafia.com/faq/Linux_PR/newlug.html

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Added #ldug to jaiku: http://jaiku.com/channel/ldug

Where is everybody? Especially those DFW users???

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Texrat,
Hello! As you can see I am a newly registered user on these boards. As my user name suggests, though, I have been lurking for some months. I am a long-time casual Zaurus user, starting from the 5000d to the C3000. I've since moved on to a Sony UX, but am now awaiting an N810 to replace it. In case you are not already aware, oesf.org already has regional subforums for Zaurus user groups. With the exception of Europe, their groups never seemed to gain much ground. Still, it may be worth contacting their moderators to discuss what opportunities exist for collaboration.

I believe the greatest threat to the regional user group concept is the chicken-and-egg syndrome. If people do not see others signed up in their area, many will assume no other like minded users exist in their area or have any interest. Following this flawed logic makes it unlikely that the searching user will sign up for the regional group. And so the cycle continues.
Perhaps a solution would be to tweak the ITT forums profile "Where you live" field with a drop-down list of locales. Based on locale, and with the users' permission, "skeleton" regional user groups could then be formed. This may lead to users contacting each other and starting the process of forming the physical groups. I have no idea if the necessary features are even available with the vbulletin system, though.

And now I am seeing so many opportunities for geolocation tech that my head is spinning :eek:

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Good idea-- post it in Reggie's suggestion area at the bottom! And thanks for the contact info.

I will keep nagging local users like rcadden to get onboard... :D

EDIT: actually, the oesf looks like it's designed to be EXACTLY (EDIT: oops, make that almost exactly) what ldug was, except that their scope is currently more limited. Maybe I'm unnecessarily reinventing the wheel. I need to definitely contact those guys.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Excellent idea Texrat. I very happy to see all the feedback and support you get on this challenge. I am very familiar with web servers and specially PHP/MySql. I own a N800, I am based in Europe and if I can be of any help I will be glad to participate.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Texrat,
Oooops.... I didn't mean to imply that you had free reign to change ITT ;). Of course the moderators would have to be involved in creating regional user group subforums. On second thought, though, perhaps that is not the best way to start this. A true mobile-Linux user group should be hosted on its own site, separate from but associated with existing device-specific forums such as OESF.org and ITT. Perhaps instead of its own forums, ldug.org could use community liaisons to coordinate meetings and events among all affiliated mobile-Linux enthusiast sites. LDUG could then be the portal where schedules and other relevant info would be posted.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Can I suggest you mention the FOX board? Its a neat little system board running linux with a 100MHz cpu and 100Tx and 2x USB1.1 ports. http://acmesystems.it/

I've been meaning to put my website on mine, but I keep getting distracted... :)

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

That's what I was thinking originally, LurkerN. Any forum on LDUG would be very, very limited in scope and not overlap with itT or any other except incidentally.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

I think my ideas might had gotten a bit jumbled in my last post (3+ cups coffee). Feel free to run with these ideas, because that is what I am limited to at this point. I can't help much in any other way. I also feel that if you like the regional user group forums idea that you should contact Reggie. I think the idea would be better received coming from you.

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

Lorem Ipsum is a dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Kept so that the (webpage)creators, would replace it with something meaningful. ;)
http://www.lipsum.com/

Re: LDUG site is up!
 

http://ldug.org/ does not currently redirect to http://www.ldug.org/, by the way.