The MUG update: ideas for last-minute gifts

Leading off the news at The Macintosh User Group (MUG) Center this week, editor Chuck Joiner notes that the site features a page full of gift ideas for the Mac user in your life. He welcomes additions to the list. You might also find something among the new vendor offers also just added to the site — the special deals are available only to MUG members, and the additions include offerings from O’Reilly, Micromat, the Apple MUG Store and more.

Given that the few MUG events happening this week and next have already been covered in last week’s MUG roundup, odds are you’re planning meetings for 2005. In that spirit, TidBITS’ Adam Engst has added three new Take Control books to the ones available for use during user group meetings. The new electronic tomes cover Mac OS X backups, buying a digital camera and recording with GarageBand, and registered MUGs can download free copies through TidBITS’ user group program. While each group is limited to one copy of each book, Engst also offers discounts to MUG members.

Finally, Joiner has posted his latest MUG Center survey question, which is “What community activities or charity projects does your group participate in, either during the holidays or throughout the year?” Visit the site to send in your response. Last week’s query — “How does the leadership of your group communicate?” — produced two main options: private e-mail communications and in-person monthly meetings. Quarterly meetings and telephone conference calls were a distant third and fourth, respectively.

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.