EdLUG is a virtual place on the Internet where people can meet and talk about Linux and Free and Open Source Software. It can easily be described as a virtual coffee shop (without the coffee). It is open at all times and anyone can meet there. It is a place to swap information, discuss, encourage and learn. It does not aim to do anything apart from being a social gathering point but by its existence it is promoting the common theme of Linux and Free and Open Source Software. I choose to use the Coffee Shop Model rather than Bazaar because the coffee shop is a purely social gathering and a bazaar is a market place.

Some of the regular attenders of the coffee shop volunteer their time and money to make sure that this social group continues. Others have volunteered to give talks and demonstrations in a geographically real location.

A small section of this virtual social club get together regularly to meet in person. This is called EdLUG(Social). They meet in a pub once a month at a set time and place. The main benefit of this is consistency. This is easier for those interested to know where they are going to meet so they can plan ahead. This does not stop anyone else in EdLUG arranging a meeting which is more convenient for them.

A few people in the group have titles. Volunteering for a position, being known to a large number of the subscribers, being with the group a long time, contributing a great deal of work or expertise they have gained respect and hence their titles.

Imagining EdLUG as a crowd in a coffee shop is a useful exercise because it explains the dynamics of the group. The individuals of the crowd show the many personalities of human nature. It also explains why the group does not need anyone to organise it, and why when someone comes into the group and tries to impose rules upon it they are generally ignored. However, when someone has a piece of equipment they want to show you or they have done something and could do with some help, their idea gets more attention. It is also a good way to visualise the reaction of the group when something good happens like the arrival of a new baby or if there is a dispute between two people.

The coffee shop model is a strength and weakness. It is open, transparent and diverse yet there is no single point of contact for people who wish to talk with the group but not join it permanently. There is no method for the group as a whole to voice its opinion to the outside world and there is also no method to easily organise funds in case the equipment which we all depend on fails.

As of August 2004 there are approximately 200 subscribers to the mailing list and the monthly meetings are attended by between 10-30 people.




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