The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group The President's Screen Address Ian Robinson

Those of you present at the last monthly meeting would know that we have now surpassed our 1987 target of 2000 paid-up members, reinforcing our position as the largest PC user group in the country, and presenting the administrative committee with a greater challenge than it has ever had in the past. Attaining our goal (item Number One in the Editor's Manifesto) of a 4000-strong membership by the end of 1988 is very much on the cards, and requires consideration in all aspects of our planning. Obviously 1988 is certain to be a growth year also for our special interest groups, and now is the time to come forward with suggestions and offers of support. I particularly look forward to supporting the establishment of additional regional SIGs, such as those now operating in Geelong and Bendigo. 

As you are probably aware, we now operate two of the busiest bulletin board systems in the country, our public domain software library is second to none (just wait until you see the new catalogue!), and we have a very keen and capable committee at the helm, ready to guide the Group to even greater heights during 1988. 

Many of the Group's newer members have expressed an interest in forming a Beginner's SIG, and we are keen for some of the more experienced PC users among us to offer help in administering this group. One of the problems with such a group is the fact that, by definition, the membership would be turning over constantly, which reinforces the need for a solid and reliable administration. Introducing newcomers to the mysteries of the PC can be a most rewarding experience, so why not come forward and offer your assistance? Who knows - you may even learn something yourself. 

Several members have expressed a desire to help with running the Group, but feel a little hesitant because they are new to the whole area of PCs. The simple answer is - don't worry about it! We were all at that stage once, and there is no requirement to be a total PC guru in order to contribute to the improvement of the Group's services. Over the next few months, the committee will note all of the areas where we can benefit from your assistance, and I think you will find that very few of these tasks depend upon enormous technical expertise. Let's face it - an organisation of over 2000 members is reliant upon an enthusiastic and well-supported administration in order to survive and prosper. 

One of our goals in planning for 1988 will be to look at ways of improving the flow of monthly meetings, and we have had several suggestions as to how this can be achieved. Our highly competent Immediate Past President (IPP?) Ron Lyth has very kindly agreed to continue running the Random Access sessions at the start of each meeting, and we are aiming towards including a wider variety of activities each evening, but still remaining within the existing time-frame. I am particularly keen to see members stand up and give quick five-minute reviews of new products which they may have just bought or are currently evaluating, as the chances are that at least a few people within each meeting must have acquired something new (be it hardware, software or whatever) which would be worth telling others about. If these can be prepared beforehand, then I am sure our workaholic Editor can also make use of them in PC Update, for the benefit of those who cannot make it to the main meetings. 

Another project which I am keen to work on during 1988 is the establishment of a library (as in books - not public domain software) for Group members, covering both periodicals and books, which are freely available for borrowing. Over time, the Group library will become a valuable resource and reference point, and help to further many of our goals by contributing to our growth. I would personally be keen to start up a 'Book SIG' to begin work on this project.

As I said a few paragraphs back, now is the time to come forward with your ideas and offers of assistance during 1988, as your committee is eagerly looking forward to your input. Our final meeting of 1987 would be a great opportunity of catching up with us, and I anticipate a good turnout by members for this wind-up to a most successful year. I'll see you there...

Reprinted from the December 1987 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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