The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group President's Annual Report Morris Tobias president@melbpc.org.au

This time last year, I could not have imagined myself writing the President's Annual Report. When our previous president, Stan Johnstone had to make the choice between Melb PC and his health, it was with some trepidation that I took over the position. In my first column, I wrote that I had big boots to fill - few if anyone could begin to imagine just how big. Stan steered the group through some of its biggest challenges, and probably doesn't realise just how much appreciated his efforts were. On a sadder note, Stan had his critics. Most, if not all of this criticism was in the form of whispering campaigns and rumours. It is a testament to Stan's influence that 10 months after his departure, new rumours are surfacing and old ones are being rehashed - in a twisted kind of way it's very complimentary!

Financial

The Financial Report for 1998-1999 appeared in the October edition of PC Update. A copy can be obtained from the office if you missed it. Bill Ford, our treasurer has again guided us through a highly successful year. We recorded a surplus of almost $207,000 and have reserves of over a million dollars. While this sounds a lot, we should bear in mind the experiences of the Boston Computer Society, once the largest PC User Group in the world. BCS folded within 12 months of being in a similar financial position to ours. We must continue with prudent financial management.

Internet

Our Internet service continues to grow, and despite a small hiccup in the last couple of months gives great value for money. During the past year the Internet team has experimented with extra benefits for subscribers such as the extra time allowances currently available. While we can't guarantee that this will be available on a permanent basis, new ways of giving benefits to subscribers are continually being investigated. Bandwidth from Connect.com.au has now been increased to give better download speeds following problems with our main bandwidth wholesaler, EISA

No-one could deny that the three month wait for new lines was enough to test the patience of anyone trying to gain access to the service during peak times. This delay was completely beyond our control and we are liaising closely with Telstra, who have assured us that next time we order additional lines they should be installed much faster.

BBS

In Stan Johnstone's Annual Report for 1998 members were informed there had been little development of the BBS for the previous two years, and that changes recommended two years ago had not been implemented. No real progress has occurred since. This seems to confirm what most of us believe, that the older BBS technology is slowly being replaced with Internet and presents little incentive for our volunteers to get excited about changes and improvements. Perhaps this is one area of the group's services that needs to be reassessed.

Membership

Our total membership figure as at 30 June 1999 stood at 10,764, some 16 fewer than at 30 June 1998. Whilst we have been fairly stable for the last 3 years or so, our Membership subcommittee will continue to examine ways of increasing membership and giving existing members more reasons to renew.

PC Update

In the latter half of this year, we were disappointed to learn that production of our flagship magazine, PC Update could not continue as it had in the past. During the tender process we were open to ideas, envisaging a combined Editor, Production Manager and Advertising Agent who would be supplied with Melb PC related content and source sufficient articles to fill the magazine. Ziff Davis/ APN not only came up with a great deal, but as a bonus members were to receive PC Magazine free of charge. At the point of crossing the "T"s and dotting the "I"s, Ziff Davis management were told of an imminent take over and were not allowed to enter into any new contracts of this type. With hindsight, the announcement was made prematurely. Who could have foreseen the circumstances that ultimately led to the deal falling through at the finishing post? Ash Nallawalla had produced a newsletter in place of the September issue, and the outcry proved beyond question that PC Update is very important to our members. I should make it clear that this is in no way a criticism of Ash, who produced the best newsletter anyone could, in the short time available.

Once again we called for tenders, and Gary Taig a veteran volunteer production editor of PC Update volunteered yet again; this time to put together an interim magazine. Judging by the phone calls, e-mails and faxes this has met with nothing but approval. As I write this report we have made a shortlist from some outstanding applicants and will be making a decision very soon.

Training

Training continues to offer a wide range of courses. The PCs have now been upgraded, ready to take on ever more powerful operating systems and programs. Again, some courses were cancelled due to lack of numbers. We are always open to suggestions for anything that will add attraction to our training courses. or improve the services the training department offers to members, or simply, to improve attendances.

Shareware

David, Glenn, Ian and Yvonne Webster continue to seek out new software and upgrades to existing programs for the shareware library. Many people say that the Internet has done away with the need for a shareware library, but we should bear in mind that not everyone has, or wants, or is able to access the Internet. Many others are wary of downloading files that may be infected with a virus.

There are too many other areas and too little space in this edition to mention all in detail. My apologies to anyone I might have inadvertently missed.

Overall, we have had another successful year, and head towards 2000 in a strong financial position with an enviable team of volunteers and staff.

Reprinted from the December 1999 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia