A discussion began with lolascorpio's suggestion that another location in Northern NJ be selected for NNJDUG. There were several responses for and against moving NNJDUG, including camworld's offer to hold meetings in Upper Montclair.
First, camworld, I suggest that you establish an official Drupal Event in Upper Montclair.
Since there is already a group of Drupal enthusiasts meeting at NJIT on a regular basis for whom NJIT is generally a more convenient and preferable location, there is no reason to relocate NNJDUG. They want to stay at NJIT; this is perfectly reasonable.
At the the same time there is an unserviced 'market' out there of Drupal enthusiasts in Northern NJ who would like to meet elsewhere. Again this is perfectly reasonable.
Three areas suggested were Ramsey (the original location of NNJDUG), East Rutherford (the second location of NNJDUG) and Upper Montclair.
These are my preferences:
+1 East Rutherford (I live nearby in Rutherford)
0 Upper Montclair (neutral)
-1 Ramsey (too far)
Among those looking for a different location, they seemed to have temporarily agreed on Upper Montclair. I would support an Upper Montclair DUG; there are enough participants to form a core group, with at least two possible organizers. I would probably also occasionally attend Upper Montclair Drupal sessions (as participant only, not as an organizer).
I'm especially interested in fakingfantastic's offer to share insights into Drupal Commerce hacking. As I've said previously, I'm interested in the PHP (and JS) code. Unfortunately I won't be available until June. Perhaps Frank can do another Drupal Commerce hack session in June or end July?
It would also be cool to do a Hack Core Session (please bring kittens). It would be a great opportunity to learn how core is put together and to come up with ideas on how things might be improved (a la Symfony). It could sort of be like a dojo session for our own edification.
FWIW, Felician College, Rutherford is another possible location for meeting. However, since I'm not currently intending to be an organizer, I won't push it.
Finally, thanks to Ed and Lynette for acknowledging my past efforts.
Tom
Comments
Not enough interest yet
I am tabling the discussion, for the time being. Not enough people have expressed interest in adding another NNJ meetup, or a Montclair-area DUG.
You should try.....
Attending the NJIT meeting. I think a lot of folks have "fears" about coming to Newark. NJIT is not located in a bad area and the ride really isn't that bad. I commute back to Warwick, NY after the meet-up and it takes me only about an hour and 5 minutes to travel all the way to Upstate, NY.
Our meet-up doesn't start till 7pm. If you left the Montclair area at 6:40, you would have more than enough time to get to NJIT and park. We have a parking lot that is about 200 feet away from the building with free parking. Its only about a 20 minute drive - really.
"My ambition was to live like music". - Mary Gaitskill
Rutherford...
Is really a pain to get to. Every time I try to travel to that area its way too packed. I went down there on a Saturday for dinner and it took me over two hours; it wasn't even rush hour. There are way too many people living in that area and too much industry. Also - there isn't a lot of public transportation/its not easily accessible.
"My ambition was to live like music". - Mary Gaitskill
I'm definitely down for it,
I'm definitely down for it, and I know lolascorpio will be a regular as well, she just can't make this one. Also, I've been talks with 1 or 2 others that have expressed interest; one of which said he's be in for next week. Wouldn't right it off, just think we may need a little more rally time.
(didn't read Tom's post: This is definitely a suggestion for another meetup, and not a replacement for the NJIT meetup)
Rally the discussion here
Anyone who wants to bring attention to this potential new group and meetup, please point them to this thread. If we can get 10+ people to verify they'd like a new group and meeting, we make it happen.
The proposed meeting in Upper Montclair on April 19 is not going to happen. However, the space is available in May, June, etc. so a future meeting can be arranged, if enough interest is generated.
Future proofing
As one who traveled from Panera to Panera in the early days, hoping we'd get some space and often instead crowding laptops on a tiny table, NJIT has been a great home.
I think the question to ask is, what do we want from an NNJ Drupal group? Do we want to try and entice NYC Drupalers to come and present? Do we want to someday host a Drupal Camp? If so, then I think the facilities and accessibility NJIT presents is hard to beat.
Anything new on the Upper Monclair meetup?
Hi all,
from the previous posts, I see that there is a possibility for a meeting in May,June. I am +1 for a Upper Montclair. Let me know for the next one.
Upper Montclair Meetup
Hi, the idea for a Montclair area meetup is still on hold. I have a list of names who've expressed interest but it's not enough people yet to form a new group. I'm going to revisit this idea for a Montclair area DUG over the summer and might schedule our first meeting for late Summer or early Fall.
Myself, and a definite 2,
Myself, and a definite 2, possibly 3 others are definitely in for the Montclair meetup whenever it is held.
NJIT Meet-Up
The next Drupal meet-up will be held at NJIT on June 13th.
"My ambition was to live like music". - Mary Gaitskill
Montclair Meetup
I am definitely interested in the Montclair meetup. What can I do to help? Can we set up a date and time and a sign up list?