I was going to post this message to all of the SIG's Interex addresses. I
decided it would be quicker to post it here. I also believe that the members
of this list can help fill in the gaps in my sketch of an idea.

I, like many others, will not be able to attend the SIG meetings this year.
This does not mean that I do not wish to participate, it just means that I
can't afford to go and my company is not willing to foot the bill.  What I
am looking for is someway to show my support for the SIGs without being
physically present.

It would help if the agenda's were made public. This would facilitate our
ability to write questions regarding pertinent issues. This is something
that is quite doable even at this late date. It may even be possible to for
someone inside to post updates every so often to this list during the
meetings.

The next idea may be something to think about for next year. HP has
facilities to broadcast to many of its satellite offices around the country.
We all remember George Stachnik's wonderful presentations that were carried
across the country this way. If this were done people could go to their
local HP office and participate in the SIG meeting almost as if they were
there, sans lunch.

If this is not feasible then there are webcast technologies, phone
conferences and technologies  I don't even know exist that could allow
remote members to participate.

I am aware that no technology based method is a substitute for a good old
face to face discussion but it beats nothing hands down.

Just my thoughts.

Joseph Rosenblatt