Frequently Asked Questions about ILUG

I will copy this post onto the
ILUG Website, but have found the
the vast majority of the questions I have received are repeating frequently.
 Hope this helps people.

Q: Why are you guys doing this?

A: We are not really sure.  It
seems like a great idea, then takes up a considerable amount of time and
a week before Eileen
and I swear we will not do it
again.  Then everyone turns up and its great, and we start planning
the next year.  (BTW  - If this one goes well, we have some plans
to make this event bigger next year, in many ways).  So in short,
we are doing it for the Karma.  Everyone that I know that will be
at this event are great people and good fun.  Its worth it.

Q: Where should I stay?

A: At this stage, we are not recommending
the hotel where the event is on, simply becuase they are very expensive.
 There are numerous places to stay.  Go to the Hotels
link, the the Wiki
or Eileens
site to see some suggestions.

Q: Can you tell me what is the best
airport to fly into?

A: Dublin Airport (DUB).  Fly in
on the Wednesday and leave on the Sunday.  Then you can see a lot
of the city.  And if you have not been here before, it is a wonderful
city.Information on getting to the city is on the ilug website.

Q: Any suggestions on things to do
in Dublin at the time?

A:  Plenty – check the Wiki

Q: How did you get all these world
class speakers?

A: Kimonos and Sake.  Ask me at
the event.

Q: How is the event free?

A: Sponsors are covering the cost.  The
two primary sponsors are IBM and Blackberry.  They have been great
for us.  

Q: Can we pay some sort of token
cost?  We feel guilty for not contributing to this (yes this is asked)

A: Thank you! we are discussing ways
to allow people pay something towards the event.  It will be voluntary.
 Stay tuned…

Q: Don’t lie – you are in this to
make money

A: No, we are not.  It is a strictly
"not for profit" gig.  Our books are "open" for
sponsors.

Q: It is a bit unfair that someone
that works for an IBM Business Partner in Ireland is arranging this event.
 Obviously this is a sales gig for your employer

A: Go away…  It would be MUCH
easier if it was.  My employer is not a sponsor (they want to be).
 This is to stop that annoying question.  In turn, to keep it
fair, I don’t permit any BP to sponsor as a services company.  That
may change in the future but not yet.  I have had to turn down BP
sponsors even when we need money, just to keep this event from turning
into a services sales day or just to stop accusations of such.  I
even take leave to organise the event on the week it is on.  Aside
from that, I have not seen anyone else stepping up to arrange it.

Q: Can we sponsor?

A: Yes.  Look at the sponsor
link and contact me for more information

Q: I would of expected more assistance
or room rates sorted etc.

A:  This is a free event – you
are VERY lucky people.  

Q: Those dates don’t suit me

A: See answer above

Q: Can you do deep dive sessions
(like classroom/lab sessions)

A: No.  We don’t have the facilities