[Computerbank] solving the conundrum of the bush

[Bruce McCubbery <brucemcc@melbpc.org.au>]

I received an off-list email and perhaps my (now edited) response will add
to this discussion?  .. Bruce

At 11:36 4/01/02, _____ wrote:
>In cases where you need local Linux experience in regional areas I think
your 
>best bet is to find locals who are prepared to learn. This may seem like a 
>long process but in the end you are going to have local experience who can 
>then form the nucleus of a branch. This will probably be quicker than
waiting 
>for the rest of Computerbank to come to the rescue. I am sure Computerbank 
>could send these individuals some machines to learn on etc and provide 
>mentors to coach these people, support being delivered by email etc.

I'm feeling my way like I'm wearing asbestos gloves in a pool of conrete on
this one, a bad analogy I know but I mean I don't know enough, yet I'm
trying to solve it from this base.

Who knows most about the Linux people?
Who knows about those already interested in Linux "out there" outside our
capitals?
Is there a reservoir of people to build on?
Where are the individuals concerned living?

Taking the example of Greg:

How much extra solely Computerbank material needs to be learnt by the Gregs?  
Can all of that be learnt from physical stuff mailed to them?
If an emailing backup or course is (or must be) available, how easily can
it be done?

Considering the combination of LUGs' and Computerbank intentions

Are the various LUGs across Australia interconnected?
Would they be *active supporters of Computerbank because of its Linux
orientation?
If so, how would that work out?

About your state as a specific example

Disregarding the foregoing, I've been pondering your circumstances and
wondering how it might turn out it practical terms.
Accepting that you have to first be strong enough..
Would the best method be a move/establish/move-further process, would it
prove best?
Explanation:
Establish progressive branches outwards from where you are which each then
help to establish the next further out branch.
And so on, until the state is blanketed.

Which is not to say you can't do what you suggest.  :-)
It's not an easy answer we are after but it is possible to solve and
probably a hybrid or smorgasbord set of answers will evolve which answers
it overall.

Taking the "local prepared to learn" model

Let's say they have their own computer and Web access already and are only
learning this for the sole purpose of being Computerbank's requisite local
expertise needed to underpin the establishment of a Computerbank branch --
in Alice Springs or Ceduna or Longreach or any other very far away place --
and let's say they are fairly smart: what would they have to learn and
what's the best guess about how long it would take?

Thank you for the chance to discuss this.

Regards, Bruce (03) 9372 0052

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