rlb@riacs.edu (Bob Brown) (10/06/89)
As in the past, the Sun User Group Conference will host a collection of
BOF sessions (Birds Of a Feather) and SIG sessions (Special Interest
Groups). We ask that those of you who are interested please write in and
suggest the topic for a SIG or BOF that you would like to see at the
conference and if you would be willing to lead it.
The distinction of a BOF and SIG is often blurred. I offer these
definitions:
SIG:
A Special Interest Group is an organization of people with a common
technology interest and a willingness to "belong" to an organization of
people with the same interest. SIGs are on-going activities, and hence
are not oriented about transient events, such as the latest rash of
viruses. SIGs tend to be defined at an abstract level, such as "the Q
windowing system" and "Blue Book MIDI" and "Suns in the cockpit". SIGs
have reporting responsibilities to their memberships, and SUG offers
README as a forum for wider distribution. SIGs have a designated leader
who holds the position continuously until replaced. SIGs have a mailing
list.
BOF:
A "Birds Of a Feather" session is typically a one-shot affair. As in a
SIG, attendees have a common interest, but do not need to commit
themselves as members of a group. BOFs spring up at the conference, and
the attendees wrap their heads around a particular problem or issue, and
then disband as the session ends. However, sometimes BOFs lead into the
establishment of a SIG. BOFs tend to be oriented around transient events,
such as "should cracker so-and-so be jailed" and "latest bugs in Sun
server software", and "is 4 MB RAM a joke". BOFs are lighter-weight than
SIGs, have no reporting responsibilities, and leave no lingering
responsibilities on the organizers.
Another role for a BOF is to try out a SIG. If you perceive an interest
in the community on a particular topic but don't want the responsibility
of organizing and maintaining a SIG, try it out as a BOF and see what
happens. The distinction is blurred for new topics.
Bottom line is -- We are seeking organizers for BOFs and SIGs. If you
have already run a SIG, chances are I've already contacted you. If you
haven't and want to, or want to try out a BOF, please let me know. Time
slots are limited, and I'm in charge of filling them up!
BOF and SIG organizers are responsible for their own advertising and
promotion. We will place you on the agenda, and on the "big board", but
successful SIGs and BOFs have always been those who posted their own
notices and handed out their own flyers ("THE AWESOME NeWS SIG
TONIGHT!!").
If you want to run one, send me a note. If you want more information,
write or call.
Bob Brown Work: 415 694 6921 (900-1900 PST)
Vice President, SUG Home: 408 984 7484 (1900-2300 PST)
Mail Stop 230-5 FAX: 415 961 8467
RIACS/NASA Ames Research Center Internet: rlb@riacs.edu
Moffett Field, CA 94035 NASAMail: RobertLBrown