>>Why do people go to these things? Seems I can get more information just doing a Google search for white papers. Are there really good cookies or a keg or something?
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>Why wouldn't you go to a user group meeting??? You meet people, make connections, and learn from others. Often times the "casual" conversation that happens between people is what you learn from the most. One person may bring up a problem they are facing, another person will answer the question. You learn from sitting there and listening to the conversation. Many user groups meet for lunch or dinner after the meeting and the learning continues for another few hours.

Still not getting it. Other than the meeting people thing maybe, and putting a non-photo face to a name and doing some networking. What truly happens in one of these meetings that makes it worthwhile compared to spending the same couple hours doing research or reviewing/answering posts online? Which seems a lot like listening to a conversation. Sounds like just another meeting to me, and I usually find those pretty much a waste of time. Maybe there are some that are different? More fun than just your regular meet-and-learn type of things? What's the real value? Is it like a club? Just something to do related to something you enjoy? But, it's really about work. Why do I want to go to a work meeting on my own time? Now, if there was that keg previously mentioned, that I would understand.