 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Prez Said Lloyd Borrett |
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By the time you read this it will almost be the end of 1985. This means that the Melbourne PC User Group is now two years old. Perhaps it's time to reflect on some of our achievements.
When I first thought of forming a PC user group, it was with the intention of merely providing a vehicle that would allows users to share their experiences. I was staggered when over 40 people showed up to a badly publicised first meeting, and 120 people attended the second meeting. Obviously many others shared in the belief that such a group had a role to play.
That belief has been strengthened during the following two years. People have come forward and created a vast array of services that are now available to our membership. More importantly, a strong bond of common purpose has developed between members.
From the beginning one of our biggest obstacles was convincing people that this user group was trying to adopt as professional and ethical approach as possible. To many a micro user group was a place where "hackers" got together and stole software.
Our recent initiative of actively seeking out those who profit from the sales of illegal hardware and software have proved to any remaining doubters where we stand. The task force established for this purpose has already handed over to distributors evidence of such activities and prosecutions are likely to follow.
Early on, Melb PC sought and obtained affiliation with the Australian Computer Society. Little was made of that until recently. Our meeting in November, at which ACS members were invited to came along and share experiences with us, was but the first step towards establishing regular interaction between the two groups.
There are so many exciting things which have happened over the last two years in our user group that it would be impossible to tell you about all of them. But remember, none of it would have been possible without the contributions of you and your fellow members.
Oh sure, I've been at the helm of Melb PC for most of its life, but there have been many times when the spirit was not there. Things start to get a little difficult and the hurdles seem larger than ever. Amazingly, just as the gloom sets in, along comes someone who is prepared to throw themselves into-the fray. Someone who was merely out there in the audience responds by taking responsibility and carrying it through, contributing the time they have available. Suddenly everything sorts itself out as we all feed off the injection of new energy.
Two years old, and more successful than was ever hoped. But we are not stopping there. We have ambitious plans for the coming year. We will be sponsoring several workshops and seminars. High on the list of priorities is "Novice" training, and a "Newcomers Kit". Couple that with the expansion of our existing services, and plans already being nurtured for more new services, our third year should be bigger and better than ever.
But remember, it's your financial support along with your help that makes it happen. The response to my calls and pleas for support in the past has been very gratifying. Without realizing it, my responsibilities have changed from "parenting" the group to that of senior advisor.
I know that those who have come forward in the past have all benefited from the opportunity to test their talents. I hope those of you who have agreed to help in the future will also find it a positive and worthwhile experience. We will be putting the new energy to good use and waiting for you others to get involved with us.
Reprinted from the December 1985 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
