Meetup’s first and last meeting was a Hit!

They came early and stayed late.
We were talking before the meeting that this is a start of something really big. There is not a Photoshop Meetup Group or a Photoshop Users Group in the Portland area. The need is great to provide service to the community. Ten members filled up Mono: Graphics Studio, Ltd last night, which had some sitting on the floor.

The need
To be connected with like-minded people and share learning experiences. An uplifting experience of learning and socializing that enhances people’s life.

Agenda?
I had one. After the introductions I was moving through the agenda as quickly as possible. About half was through the meeting took on a life of its own. Open discussions on printers, digital cameras, monitor calibration, Mac vs. PC, color management, recommened books, Photoshop CS3, film photography, and more filled up the evening. I expected this to happed, after all, these people have not ever had a meeting and the energy level was contagious. Sometimes two or three conversations going on at the same time one could participate or just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Meetup
I think all members agree that Meetup is not the way to go. First: They charge dues ($19.00 a month) for services that are free. It goes against my grain to spend anything that is not benefiting the community. People (I’m smirking) have tried to teach me the math; if 10 people show up I charge $1.90 per person. Do you have change for a five? All I have is a twenty; can I pay you next time? Second: Due to the “double page” of members, I don’t know how many members there actually are. I mail out notices to the members and not all of them get the email. That makes me mad that members aren’t getting the message. I could go on but long story short: this Blog is free and provides more services than Meetup.

What was accomplished?
1) Use this Blog as our information site.
2) Users group meeting the first Wednesday of the month from 7:00 to 9:00pm.
3) All levels of experience are welcome.
4) Main purpose is for learning and networking
5) Limit to Photoshop software and related topics.
6) To become a member you have to show up to meetings or ask to be put on the email list.
7) Members bring samples of their work at meetings.
8) Members can submit articles that they think will benefit other members.
9) Question and Answer section on Blog.
10) Provide links to member's web sites.
11) Provide links to Photoshop related topics.
12) Start small.

In closing
We want you to come and share your Photoshop experience, leave excited about your part of this users group, think of how you can make it better and look forward in coming to the next meeting.
You comments are welcome and send me an email to be put on our weekly newsletter. See you next month!