[plug] Society of Linux Professionals (WA) Inaugural Meeting

[Patrick Tehvand]

I think the big distinction that the people that are opposed or fearful of a 
professional body are failing to make is that PLUG is a User Group, It is 
primarily (in my opinion) a coming together of people who use linux and 
opensource software (whether it is professionally or as a hobby) to share 
knowledge and experience. Where SLPWA should be a means for people who use 
linux for business purposes or who support it in a professional capacity, to 
network, gain assistance contractually, and to raise the profile of linux and 
opensource in the eyes of government and commercial sectors.

At the moment most people see opensource as having no structure or regulation. 
Like it or not, business and government want structure, accreditiation, and 
regulation. I think long-term slpwa aims to provide that "seal" (think CPA) 
for linux professionals, that business can trust. They want to know that if 
they see an accreditiation or membership to an organisation that they will be 
getting a minimum standard.

I am waffling now but I hope you get what I mean.

P.s. These statements are my own and if they are taken the wrong way they are 
by no means approved by SLPWA or the SLPWA committee.

- gotta get that disclaimer in!