Thanks times ten to the groups that participated in the Community Survey

by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | May 18, 2021 | News & Events

Like many people, I have missed getting together with friends in the user group community since the last Macworld, and even more over the last year. Still, I was surprised at how truly great it felt to hear from the long-time groups that left their names in the survey.

Each name brought a fond memory (in some cases many, many fond memories) and a reminder that the user group community is both vibrant and caring. With more than 70 responses, here are some of the groups that left comments and a hello (in alphabetical order):

Thanks for the comments and for sharing your thoughts, and thanks to Curt B. for suggesting the questions!

Groups pre-pandemic and looking ahead

by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | May 18, 2021 | News & Events

Responses show that prior to the pandemic most groups met face-to-face. True, well before the pandemic there were groups perfecting their streaming meeting skills while others excelled with fully online Zoom meetings, groups that were FaceTime experts and some experimented with truly novel formats (one group even met in a park with picnic blankets spaced 10′ apart). Still, most groups met face-to-face. Over the last 10-15 years, the number of solely online groups in the user group database has generally been around 10%. As one survey respondent said, “mostly on site, but dwindling numbers and meetings.” So, it is interesting to learn that some groups have been revitalized during the pandemic, helping members stay in touch during difficult times. Here are the results for pre-pandemic meeting formats:

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Factors that go into deciding when and how to meet

by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | May 17, 2021 | News & Events

When it comes to deciding how to meet, when to meet, and where to meet, it can be hard to make everyone happy. (In fact, most user group officers will tell you that it can be hard to make many members happy regardless of the question…)

Here are some of the factors that groups said go into deciding on their meeting format and location:

User Group Guidance

by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | May 16, 2021 | News & Events

In the survey, we asked for guidance and groups offered their thoughts. Interestingly, some of the factors that groups considered, such as aging membership, was cited as a reason for, and against, Zoom-type meetings 🙂

Here is some of the advice offered:

Some groups find benefits in  the online meeting format

• In person meetings work for business and technology, but are restricted to the talent in the group. Zoom meetings work for technology lessons and can utilize talent from other groups!
• Easier to get speakers with online meetings.
• we have had great success with Zoom meetings but it won’t suit everyone.
• Guest speakers are more readily available because if Zoom or Skype access.
• New faces from distant members
• Going online for meetings has allowed us to regain users who found a long drive at night too difficult to attend.
• Our members come from a wide area. Several only attend infrequently. Having virtual meetings has allowed more members to attend (although overall participation is down slightly). Other than that, we really miss the face to face and social aspects.
• online, other mac groups and former members joined us back
• Zoom turned out to be a viable way of meeting, which surprised some of us.
• Online contests can be fun, but be sure to allocate much time to the events!
• Know Zoom controls at an advanced level.
• We were surprised and delighted that our members mostly took to zoom like ducks to water. Though we all miss in-person socializing, we get better attendance and more efficient meetings using Zoom. The ability to record and make available for download past meetings has been a popular feature in our group.
• Platform that allows screen sharing is important. Some with hearing problems like it online to control volume. Also use closed captioning.
• Zoom is a very good tool
• Online remote meetings with perhaps an in-person once a year get together seems to really interest our members.
• You may need to help people with the first online meeting

Some groups see benefits in meeting face to face (more…)

Meeting Ideas: Clips, iPadOS 14, and iPad – Then and Now

by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | May 12, 2021 | News & Events

Are your members interested in the newest version of Clips? Clips is an iOS-only free app for making and sharing fun videos with text, effects, graphics, and more? ASW has information to help you plan a great meeting:

Clips – First Look (L573379A-en_US), iPadOS 14 – First Look (L585034A-en_US), and iPad – Then and Now (L575791A-en_US) can provide the information you need.

Ambassadors: May is a great month to check out ASW.