| Tonight's presentation of Windows Workflow Foundation was very valuable in opening new possibilities for better application development at Oryx Software.
The way that the session was conducted prompted me to write this email, though. I attend HDNUG sessions seeking to bring real value to my company, so when I find myself in a session in which an hour and 10 minutes of the alloted time is spend in "Dot-Net-Rocks!" hurrays and cheesy crap give-aways, while two-hours worth of Windows Workflow Foundation material needs to be cramped in the last 50 minutes, I feel that a great opportunity was not fully taken advantage of. Allow me to recommend the following changes to the format of the sessions: * Start the sessions on time. Always. * Eliminate the open Mic time. That's what on-line forums and communities serve the same intended purpose * Limit the give away time to no more than 5 minutes, or eliminate it altogether. If making that extra money is so critical to the continuation of HDNUG, charges us money to go into the sessions. I'll be glad to pay anywhere between 5 and 50 dollars per session depending on the material and presenter. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thanks your for making the HDNUG sessions possible. Regards, Luis J. Gutierrez ------------------------ Luis, Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you feel about the August meeting. Usually when we know we have a longer presentation we will make as much time available as we can. We didn't know that this presentation was going to be rushed until the night of the meeting which was the first problem. I usually try to start on time but due to the weather and the fact that people were still getting pizza at 6:30 I felt it was best to start a little later, We did have more things to give away than usual which made the raffle run a little long but it is not every month I have 2 $50 gift certificates to give away. We have streamlined the raffle a lot in the last few years and I think most of those attending like that feature. When we know the presentation is going to be long we usually make it as brief as possible and while 5 min. is hard I try to keep it under 10. The open mic feature is very new and we are still evaluating whether we want to keep it or not. I am glad to hear that you are willing to spend money for our sessions and if you have not already become a Gold member I urge you to do that by using the paypal link on our web page or signing up at the next meeting. I will be sharing your letter with the other members of the steering committee so that we can discuss your concerns and I would also like to publish it in the newsletter if you don't mind. Let me know if you don't want me to use your name when I put it in the newsletter, Would you be interested in hearing this same speaker in the future? He has expressed interest in coming to a future meeting. Thank you, Michael Steinberg |