"Running a LUG isn't straightforward, and it requires a
considerable amount of effort and time. But there's a great deal
you can do to make the whole process easier to manage and more
effective, while at the same time revitalising your LUG and your
membership. And anyone can do it.
"As every be-suited middle manager knows, delegation is the key
to both success and instilling a sense of duty in the team. And
it's the same for LUGs. Many are run using a form of disorganised
democracy, with no official leader or spokesperson at the helm. If
you take a look at the list of LUGs on lug.uk.org, for example,
you'll see dozens of LUGs that don't even have a contact name. This
leaves many LUGs rudderless, even if there are people in the
locality who would like to be more involved. It's absolutely
essential that there are some people clearly in control.
"As Rick Moen, editor of the LUG Howto and leader of many LUGs
over his time, puts it: "LUGs have succeeded wonderfully on the
strength of ongoing efforts from as few as four energetic and
inquisitive people." From this we can deduce that you need to find
four people who are prepared to find time to fit the LUG into their
lives."
