Chuck Joiner’s latest User Group Report leads off the news at The Macintosh User Group (MUG) Center Web site this week. This edition of the Report focuses on professional leadership trainer Jen Shelby, who talks about motivation in the context of user groups. Joiner also uses The MUG Center to note that presentations on the new iPods and wireless networking are available to Apple-recognized user group ambassadors through Apple Sales Training Online. In addition, the ambassadors can also contact Apple Sales Web to get the latest edition of Mailbox, a DVD that includes videos from WWDC 2004 and other materials that groups will find useful. Finally, Joiner points out Melbourne PHP User Group’s guide to writing book reviews, which he says applies to various types of user groups. Visit the MUG Center to learn more.
Joiner’s MUG Center is also a useful place to find out what’s happening at user groups around the country. This week, Woburn, Mass.-based MacWoburn hosts a Macworld Conference & Expo Boston wrap-up on Wednesday, the same day many Apple Stores are hosting a Pro Day that focuses on managing money with MYOB AccountEdge 2004. On Thursday, the monthly online MUG Center chat at the World Without Borders Web site discusses “Keep Your MUG From Getting Old,” while Syracuse MUG brings in representatives from 4D to discuss the company’s database products, Arizona MUG digs into the recent release of BRU Server 1.1, New York Final Cut Pro Users Group listens to a presentation on audio and views an independent film, Computer Users of Erie covers DVD production with Final Cut Pro, Utah MUG previews Mac OS X v10.4 “Tiger” and Tidewater MUG looks into X10 home automation.
The weekend kicks off on Friday with “Breen, Breen & Breen,” starring Macworld editor Chris Breen, at South Jersey Apple Users Group and “Mac OS X Programming with Python” at Tokyo’s Ringo MUG, which meets at the Apple Store Ginza. Finally, Saturday sees 4D stopping by the Houston Area Apple Users Group. Check each MUG’s Web site for meeting times, locations and entry fees, if applicable.
Macintosh User Groups interested in seeing their events listed on MacCentral are welcome to send us their news. We post roundups of MUG events and gatherings each week.
If you’re wondering what user group events are happening in your area, visit the MUG Center’s online calendar. Apple also hosts a user group site where you can look for a MUG near you or find out how to start your own group.