User Group Frustrations

Having started and run the Perth .NET Community of Practice for several years there was only ever really one thing that really really yanked my chain, which was presenters who pull out at the last minute.  Over the last year or so Mitch has been working tirelessly to not only schedule some great sessions but also increase the user group library and make sure the group runs every month.  Unfortunately next month's schedule presentation, Paul Stovell from Readify had to be cancelled due to what I understand was a client engagement. 

Luckily, being well organised, Mitch was able to pull forward a presentation from later in the year, so this month Michael Minutillo is going to present on ASP.NET MVC.

Maybe I'm being too simplistic in my criticism of Paul and Readify but in my opinion if you commit to a presentation then you should either give notice a long time in advance or make every effort to be available to present.  Whilst I understand that occasionally this isn't always possible I would have thought that an organisation the size and maturity of Readify should be able to co-ordinate things so that Paul could fulfill this commitment to the user group.

Published Monday, January 28, 2008 6:18 PM by nick

Comments

Monday, January 28, 2008 8:24 PM by Mitch Wheat

# re: User Group Frustrations

In Paul's defence, he has offered to present later in the year, when he has less on his plate.

It is slightly annoying when this happens (especially as Perth gets less 'circuit' presenters compared to the eastern states), but we all have to earn a buck, so I understand when people have to pull out.

Of course, everyone was looking forward to Paul's session on WPF databinding as it seems to be one of a few hot topics atm.

As Nick mentioned, Michael Minutillo graciously agreed to move his session forward a month, as did Davis Shields who will be presenting in March.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 7:02 AM by Daniel Moth

# More on User Groups

More on User Groups

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 2:49 PM by Darren Neimke

# re: User Group Frustrations

Hi Nick, this blog entry has caused quite a stir! :)

From my understanding, there are some things that you mention here that are either incorrect, or, if not wrong, then certainly misleading.

In one sense, it is perfectly reasonable to link Paul with Readify - he's one of our brightest young guys :) - but I think that it is somewhat implicit in your entry that the decision to 'pull' Paul was a Readify one and one which was based on a scheduling issue.  This was not the case.

I'm sure that a conversation with Paul about this would clear things up as to why he was forced to withdraw 3 weeks out.

You well know that we (Readify) have always supported the community when the opporutnity arises - heck, even I've done a Perth UG presentation! :-) (actually, on that, here's a tip for anybody who is planning to travel from the east coast to do a UG talk, remember when you go out for a couple of beers that midnight Perth time is probably more like 3AM for your local body clock :-))  

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 3:11 PM by Nick's .NET Travels

# Back Away From the Computer....

Ok, so my User Group Frustrations post caused quite a bit of a stir which I guess in hindsight I should