Re: [Linux-aus] Two conf's

[Con Zymaris <conz@cyber.com.au>]

On Sat, Feb 08, 2003 at 03:32:18PM +1000, Anthony Towns wrote:
> On Sat, Feb 08, 2003 at 12:59:36AM +0800, Tim Bowden wrote:
> > *Option 6*  Do nothing about a user conf.
> > Pros:  No extra work to do.
> > --------------------
> 
> *Option 6*  Co-opt / work with / cross-pollinate other conferences
> 
> Make, eg, the AUUG annual conference be the "user" conference (it already
> has a much stronger tutorial stream, which would seem key for a user con,
> and its CFP seems to be more focussed on what I'd call "user issues").

AUUG is relatively UNIX-like platform agnostic. Having said that, the
Linux/OSS aspect of the conference is by far the greatest component.  
AUUG's event also has a fairly obvious "professional persons'" feel about
it; i.e, big corporates have traditionally been happy to send teams of
staff to the conference.  LCA is more seriously
Linux/kernel/lower-level-development oriented.  There is indeed a fair bit
of overlap.

> Pro: 
>   no extra work (someone's already organising those conferences anyway)
>   a chance to work with the AUUG guys more regularly, conferences can be 
>     cross-promoted, more good will in general


agreed. Many of the people who attend AUUG are there at LCA too. Let's not 
try and wedge these two communities appart in any way. 


>   less conflict: l.c.a is the premier developers con, AUUG has the premier
>     users con

This can work.

>   AUUG can probably cope with much bigger conferences than LA can, and a
>     user con has the potential to be bigger than a bunch of volunteers from
>     a LUG can handle

Liz and the conference committee do a great job for AUUG, but I have to 
say that I've always been impressed by just how well the LCA conferences 
are run, considering the 'volunteer' nature.

> Con:
>   politics? maybe AUUG want the developers conference (AOSS?)? maybe we want
>     a *Linux* user con, not a Unix/Open systems user con?

I think that if the two conferences are situated in different cities on
each year, this works out quite well. There are some who can't make the
timing/location of one conferences but can make the other e.g me not
making LCA in Perth this year, but am catching up with AUUG in Sydney
later this year. Also, let's not forget SAGE-AU, which also has overlap 
here too.


Cheers,

Con Zymaris
EDITOR
AUUGN - Australian Unix Users Group Newsletter
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