"Information exchange is a key objective of The User Group Connection…"
Dear Apple User Group Ambassador,
I recently joined Apple’s User Group Connection (TM), and my role is focused on Community User Groups. Even though I’m the newest member of The Connection team, I’ve logged the most time here at the "good ship Apple." My years at Apple Computer date back to 1980, when we had under a thousand employees. Our product offerings consisted of 16K, 36K, and 48K Apple II computers, while our tape drives, monitors and printers were all third party products. My, have things changed!
Among the other things that have changed over the past 10 years is the growth of our User Group community. As groups develop in size and scope, we’re continually trying to "fine tune" our relationships with them. One project I’m working on is examining the needs of the different types and sizes of Community User Groups. Some of the larger groups actually have permanent offices, offer training courses several nights a week and staff technical support phone lines for members. Other groups are smaller in size (but not in enthusiasm!) and meet at the local school or library. Are The Connection’s current support efforts effective for both ends of this spectrum? Probably not. In searching for the best solution, I’m asking User Group ambassadors and officers about their needs so we can explore new and different ways to meet those needs.
Information exchange is a key objective of The User Group Connection. In my previous work at Apple, I’ve had some experience producing a couple of Apple TV broadcasts. These sessions deliver timely information to viewers, and can include live, two-way interaction with presenters. Upon joining the The User Group Connection, one of my first proposals was to look into the feasibility of holding a nationwide User Group meeting via a live Apple TV telecast. Linking User Groups via telecast would create a simultaneous exchange of information nationwide, using state-of-the-art communications technology. Individual User Groups could use the broadcast to obtain visibility in their own regions. For example, the event might serve as a basis for a membership campaign or stimulate increased participation from existing members. I’ve been checking with different User Groups across the country, both large and small, to see if there would be support for this project. So far the response has been a resounding "YES!" In the months ahead I’ll be checking with more groups and investigating further the possibility of such an event. If all goes well, next year we’ll all be getting together at the same time, same station, for a nationwide User Group meeting.
If you have any comments or suggestions on the TV broadcast, or wish to share some thoughts on the specific needs you have for your User Group, please drop me a note at the address (electronic or otherwise) listed on the back of this issue.
Rye Livingston
Community User Group Specialist
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Newsletter Editor:
This article appeared in the January/February 1991 issue of Quick Connect, the Newsletter for Apple User Groups. It may be reproduced in other User Group publications not sold for profit. We require only that credit be given to The Apple Computer User Group Connection and that we receive a copy of any publication in which reprinted articles appear. The Apple User Group Connection, Apple Computer, Inc., 20525 Mariani Avenue, MS: 36/AA, Cupertino, CA 95014.
(c) 1991 Apple Computer, Inc. APDA, Apple, AppleLink, the Apple logo, AppleShare, IIGS, LaserWriter, Mac, Macintosh and MultiFinder are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. AppleEvents, Finder, Quick Connect, The User Group Connection and TrueType are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. AppleWorks and HyperCard are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., licensed to Claris Corp. Classic is a registered trademark licensed to Apple Computer, Inc.
