[ug-discuss] Using web tool to help grow the user groups grow

[Jim Grisanzio]

John J. McLaughlin wrote:
> linkedin.com - powered by Sun - is another "social networking" site that 
> we can leverage to connect with potential members for the local user groups:
> 
>     /LinkedIn is an online network of more than 11 million experienced
>     professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries.
>     When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your
>     professional accomplishments. Your profile helps you find and be
>     found by former colleagues, clients, and partners. You can add more
>     connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and
>     connect to you. Your network consists of your connections, your
>     connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to
>     thousands of qualified professionals.
>     /
> 
> I am the 19th most connected linkedin user (out of 11 million!) with 
> 12,000+ direct connections. Most of the people who are connected to me 
> are involved with Sun/Solaris. In addition to giving out a business 
> card, I will often tell people that they can learn about me via my 
> linked profile.
> (If you are not connect to me, come to my profile and request a 
> connection:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjmclaughlin )
> 
> Linkedin also supports named groups. We could create an OpenSolaris 
> group and encourage members to join that group and network with each other.
> 
> I think that a linkedin group will allow members to connect with each 
> other in ways that will never be built into opensolaris.org.
> Similarly, I don't expect opensolaris.org to have the features of 
> meetup.com  Or the calendaring or mapping features of google.
> 
> I suggest that we leverage these other tools to draw members in and 
> provide a valuable to the members.
> 
> (By the way, meetup.com is down for a scheduled 1hr upgrade)
> 
> -johnj

I think LinkedIn has improved a great deal in the last year or two. 
Leveraging it for OpenSolaris UG would certainly be fine with me. Can 
you create a group?

Jim
-- 
Jim Grisanzio, Sr. Program Manager, OpenSolaris Engineering
http://blogs.sun.com/jimgris