>I am considering the possibility to organize a User Group in Cochabamba (Bolivia). I never participated in one, and would like to have some basic startup information, like:
>
>

What is typically done at a VFUG?

Here is what we do.

1) Announcements. Both local and VFP in general. Upcoming VFP conferences
2) Check to see if anyone is looking for a job, or looking for VFP developers
3) Ask for any technical problems people are having
4) Technical presentation that lasts 1-2 hours
5) At about the halfway point we have a break for pop and raffle. We also collect membership dues at this time.
6) Afterwards we take the speaker out for dinner or go to a pub.

>

How is it typically organized?

The above gives the agenda. We have president who chairs the user group meetings and arranges speakers. We have a treasurer who collects fees, deposits money and lets us know the balance. Other than that, we keep things very informal.

>

What advantages does participation at a FUG offer the members, esxpecially advantages not available at UT?

It is a chance to network, find jobs, learn some technical stuff. I learn something new at every meeting.

>

Is the term "Visual FoxPro User Group" anybodies trademark, or should we invent our own term (e.g.: "GPF", Spanish for "FoxPro Programmers' Group"!).

We use Vancouver FoxPro User Group. Sometimes people say VFUG here, but I find that confusing, and instead prefer VanFox. Microsoft doesn't seem to care if we use FoxPro in the title of the group.

>

Any other comments that might help a newbie!

Get email addresses of people that attend. This is key to spreading the word about meetings. Keep the technical presentations good and relevant. Ping the user group for topics they want to hear about. Keep it fun and social. Go out for drinks or dinner afterward.

Don't get discouraged if nobody shows up for the first while. Keep holding meetings.