What is a User Group? Why should you join?
and... How can I get involved?
Welcome to UserGroup.org. This is a place where computer users can find a computer club (user group) and take advantage of all the rich resources that the user group community has available. UserGroup.org is an online partner with the User Group Network, the continuation of the original "User Group Forum" from America Online; and the Association of Apple Computer Users & Groups, a national organization for the advancement of Apple Computer Users.
On this page, you will learn...
Who might I expect to meet in a user group?
How do I join a user group?
How do I register my existing group?
How do I start a Local AACUG Chapter?
How to interact with the larger UG community
What is a user group and why should I join one?
If you use a computer, no matter how much or how little you know about it, a user group can help you get more out of your computing experience. It's a great way to learn more about your computer, and its software, and become an active participant of a larger community. "No person left behind" is our motto.
Macintosh user groups and PC user groups alike can be found in many locations around the country. They can be any organization from an informal group of 10 individuals meeting over a laptop; to a nonprofit corporation with a board of directors, and a telephone directory-sized newsletter and a membership the size of Rhode Island.
User groups serve computer users in communities, educational institutions, corporations, professions, and associations. Whatever their size or form, user groups share a common commitment to provide a venue for sharing experience, insight, and knowledge about computing, for the personal and professional enrichment of their members.
Many groups have regular meetings and schedule speakers and events to keep you up-to-date on the latest technology. Getting involved in a user group is a great way to learn how to make the most of computing technologies.
User groups are one of the best resources available to any computer user, as they put the computer community in touch with itself and unite the people that have passion for their chosen platform.
Who is in a User Group?
Among user group members you'll find all kinds of computer users from the new owner and beginner, all the way up to advanced programmers and geeks. ("Geek" is an endearing term for someone who lives, breathes and sleeps computers and is generally a programmer and advanced user who can tell you how to do anything on your computer from turning it on to reconditioning the mother board, to opening your boss's email account.) Some of the most helpful and knowledgeable computer experts you'll find are in user groups. These are people who enjoy sharing their experience and advice.
How do I join a user group?
There are some 700 Mac user groups across the nation and around the world. Most importantly, there may be one near you! To find a registered user group in your area, please visit the User Group Locator. If we have one listed matching your criteria, you'll get a personal contact from a UGN volunteer helping you get in tough with the group.
How do I register my User Group with UGN?
If you already have a Mac user group, please let us know by registering today! There are so many special benefits to be had when your user group is registered with UGN. You can help us to more easily provide useful information and resources to you, such as the UGN Newsletter, review software and more. To register in the Global User Group Registry, ask your group's president or other authorized representative to visit the UG Registrar.
Be sure to email us the locator map with your group's map pin, and send along your MUG's logo, so that we can post your MUG logo and link on UGN for everyone else to see!
Once you're registered we'll refer prospective members accessing our Global Registry database directly to your group! They're looking for you -- help us help them find you.
You'll also get your own cameo page in the UGN, and the group will get recognition to thousands of readers who read the InfoManager Newsletter
each Monday morning, or who inquire to find a group.
Interact with the community at large!
Thousands of registered UGN readers would love to hear from you! If you have any special events like trade shows or MUG specific events going on in your area then use the User Group Network News Service to spread the word.
If you feel you have something to contribute to the greater computer user community, then contribute an article -- like a software or hardware review, or perhaps a "how to" article about some aspect of computing you've mastered. They're ready to hear from you. Give a little and get noticed.
- Send in your articles for publication
- Submit a news item or event
- Send your software and hardware reviews
- Submit a link to an article on your web site
- Submit Book Reviews
- See the latest Mac NEWS
Macintosh User Groups - send us your logos!
In addition to your registration and Map Pin, mail us your MUG's logo so that we may post it on the UserGroup.org site for everyone else to see! The logo should be no larger than 125 pixels on any side, and may be in .gif or .jpeg format. There is no need to compress your file.
Each week, in the InfoManager's Newsletter we'll highlight a user group. Once you've registered, your group will get recognized and promoted to the thousands of readers who regularly search for a group, and who read the InfoManager Weekly.
How do I start a Local AACUG Chapter?
There are lots of reasons to become a local AACUG Chapter, or for starting a Chapter -- too many to list here. However the most important reason is to garner effects of being affiliated with a national organization. Throughout recent history many organizations have gained important benefits from national affiliation, from the Jay-Cees to the Lions, Rotary, March of Dimes, Shriners, and on and on.
If you wish to become a local chapter, or to start a local chapter, just contact us and we'll help you get started.
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