In the five weeks since the copies of PC Update were delivered, only 691 survey forms have been retuned. This is a very disappointing result from a membership of 4000. Much time was spent by Leon Cohen in compiling the survey form to cover as much information as possible, which could be filled out in about a quarter of an hour. The cost of returning the form was nil, as a freepost authority had been obtained. The opportunity was given for all to state their wishes or gripes. However if you didn't send in your form you have lost the chance of making known your wishes.

PC Update 

A few pointers of a general nature can be stated at this time, but a full report will be published in PC Update when analysed. Most members think an increase in subscription is warranted by varying amounts. The magazine scores highly in the offerings of the group. There are many accolades to the committee, but only few gripes.

Where Do You Live? 

The reason for asking for your postcode was to establish the areas where people live. So far four live nowhere and five in small boxes at the G.P.O. Some of the suggestions for additional activities are impractical, such as having the Group premises open twenty four hours a day with keycard access. We are tenants of Metropolitan ITEC so cannot do this, and the suggester gives no hint as to the benefit of doing so. Many suggestions are very good, but as manpower (or womanpower) would be required, it is hoped that a few notes to the office will be received from volunteers. When the surveys are analysed a list of practical wants will be published, so that members with mutual interests can get together.

Beginners 

Many comments have been made from members not claiming much expertise in computing for more articles in PC Update oriented towards beginners. (A hint for budding authors). From this information it raises the question of why are the training sessions not booked out as soon as details are published. Also the New User SIGs should be packed to overflowing. It may be that the comments are from non metropolitan members. This cannot be established until a full analysis is undertaken.

Bulletin Board 

The BBS has evoked comments in favour and some against. The principal gripe has been the difficulty of gaining access. When this edition of the magazine appears, line 2 will be operating. A lot of time has been spent by the Sysop and his Assistant Sysop in testing the BBS. New software has been obtained and the line has been working with little publicity for several weeks to ensure that inconvenience will not been caused by it hanging up. It has already been decided that the BBS will be improved. Many users have intimated that a charge for its use would be acceptable, but at this stage committee have elected to keep the BBS as a service to members without charge.

PC90 

The copy deadline prevents any comment on activities at PC90, so that will be held over until next month. Tom Coleman with the help of Doug Brooke have co-ordinated the organisation of the stand, which this year will be three modules, and Sam Brown has taken control of the roster and enlistment of people to assist Tom and Doug during the show. The donations of goodies to go in the show bags were slow to materialise. Consequently the volunteers, mainly from the retirees SIG, could not be convened so Fred Ray enlisted the help of his family to prepare the bags for the show. We thank all the above people and all others who have given assistance. I hope to meet many of our country friends on the stand as in previous years.

Meeting 

The only month this year which has not had a speaker arranged for the monthly meeting is November. As many of our members are not in the market for high priced commercial software, it would be worth trying a PD Software night. If you use a PD - or more correctly stated a shareware package - and would like to share it by demonstrating its use, leave a message at the office. On the other hand if you want a package demonstrated leave a message also, and we will arrange to have it included. If there are more packages than can be covered in the time available, short demonstrations will be included in other monthly meetings. If the idea is well received it will be incorporated in next year's programme. 

Reprinted from the September 1990 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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