Mailman 3 October 1999 - python-uk

Re: Python-uk digest, Vol 1 #25 - 1 msg
by Graham Higgins Nov. 25, 1999

Nov. 25, 1999

>I also am very conscious not to impose an extra >administrative burden on Chris Tismer. Does this >stuff require much work by the top-level >administrator? Not dramatically ('s one of the benefits of using Zope) > >If so, would we be better off with a Zope site of our >own on Phil's machine - or on yours ? :-) I've got one up & running, there's plenty of HD space and it'd be a good fit with the PyApache material I've put together. Cheers, Graham Higgins -------------- Bel EPA Bristol, UK. http://bel-epa.com

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First Cambridge Python meeting - it happened
by Tony J. Ibbs (Tibs) Oct. 22, 1999

Oct. 22, 1999

Well, the first Cambridge Python Users meeting happened last night - in the end it was just Eddy, me and a furry snake, but the important thing was to *have* a first meeting. Various things were discussed, starting with bikes and ending with Python (gosh!). The next meeting is planned (hopefully with more people), but I'll leave that to Eddy to explain. I'm not going to try to present minutes or anything, but here are some URLs that relate to some of the topics discussed: * http://www.ginko.de/user/thomaskretschmer/website.htm The direct drive bike (i.e., with gears in the hub that has the pedals on it) * http://www.research.microsoft.com/Users/simonpj/c--.html C--, a project by Simon Peyton Jones * http://www.python.org/doc/essays/cp4e.html The current version of Guido's Computer Programming for Everybody proposal. * http://www.cosc.canterbury.ac.nz/~greg/python/listcomp/index.html Greg Ewing's patch for Python list comprehensions. * http://starship.python.net/crew/da/idledists/ The directory containing the IDLE snapshot from the CVS tree. * http://www.chaos.org.uk/~eddy/dev/toy/ Eddy's Python project (sort of - I really need to read some of his C code) * http://www.phy.hw.ac.uk/%7ekarsten/M/index.html Mahogany Mail (used to be called "M") which uses Python as its customisation language. * http://starship.python.net/crew/amk/quotations/python-quotes.html AMK's Python quotations -- Tony J Ibbs (Tibs) http://www.tibsnjoan.demon.co.uk/ Feet first with 5 wheels... My views! Mine! Mine! (Unless Laser-Scan ask nicely to borrow them.)

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Promoting Python in the UK
by Andy Robinson Oct. 22, 1999

Oct. 22, 1999

Duncan Booth wrote: >I have a fair amount of Zope experience, so I am >quite willing to help out (work permitting) if you >want to set up Python-UK space on a >web server. Duncan, how much work is involved in what I was suggesting? Basically, - folder for members only - folder for public - some basic databases everyone can maintain such as 1. members' directory, 2. list of "python sightings" 3. upcoming calendar events 4. draft documents for discussion I also am very conscious not to impose an extra administrative burden on Chris Tismer. Does this stuff require much work by the top-level administrator? If so, would we be better off with a Zope site of our own on Phil's machine - or on yours ? :-) Regards, Andy ===== Andy Robinson Robinson Analytics Ltd. ------------------ My opinions are the official policy of Robinson Analytics Ltd. They just vary from day to day. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

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Python Case Study at CIS
by Matthew Dunn Oct. 19, 1999

Oct. 19, 1999

It's on the way..... Unfortunately, due to the CIS being one of those monstrously big companies, there are procedures to bo followed here. I have to get my submission approved by management and our solicitors may even have to give it a once over. Should be ready soon though..... Regards, Matt Dunn, DSSG, CIS Ltd. ************************************************************************* This e-mail may contain confidential information or be privileged. It is intended to be read and used only by the named recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient(s) please notify us immediately so that we can make arrangements for its return: you should not disclose the contents of this e-mail to any other person, or take any copies. Unless stated otherwise by an authorised individual, nothing contained in this e-mail is intended to create binding legal obligations between us and opinions expressed are those of the individual author. The CIS marketing group, which is regulated for Investment Business by the Personal Investment Authority, includes: Co-operative Insurance Society Limited Registered in England number 3615R - for life assurance and pensions CIS Unit Managers Limited Registered in England and Wales number 2369965 (also regulated by IMRO) - for unit trusts and PEPs CIS Policyholder Services Limited Registered in England and Wales number 3390839 - for ISAs and investment products bearing the CIS name Registered offices: Miller Street, Manchester M60 0AL Telephone 0161-832-8686 Internet http://www.cis.co.uk E-mail cis(a)cis.co.uk CIS Deposit and Instant Access Savings Accounts are held with The Co-operative Bank p.l.c., registered in England and Wales number 990937, P.O. Box 101, 1 Balloon Street, Manchester M60 4EP, and administered by CIS Policyholder Services Limited as agent of the Bank. CIS & the CIS logo (R) Co-operative Insurance Society Limited ********************************************************************************

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Promoting Python in the UK
by andy＠robanal.demon.co.uk Oct. 18, 1999

Oct. 18, 1999

Last night I spent a few hours with Josette Garcia of O'Reilly's UK office discussing promotions. She has now joined the group - welcome aboard! The conclusion we reached was that we just need to plug away and grow organically before we can do any joint promotions, but she gave me a lot of help and good ideas. I'd drafted this before reading Gary's excellent post, and we overlap a lot, but I'll send it out now rather than rewriting it. Here's my short term plan (to end January?): Magazines: ------------- Plan A is to place some Python stories. I am sounding out magazines to see if any are interested in Python stories; if any bite, I'll post the group and we can see who wants to be famous. Ideally we need a press officer - any takers? Initially this would mean chasing up the odd mag and asking if they are interested. I am pretty sure we can get interviews with Python megastars if that is what they want. Target other communities: ----------------------------- Python is great for adding a macro language to other applications. I have lots of material on doing this with VB; others among you know C/C++ and Java. So we could contact their user groups, and offer to go and give talks/demos on embedding Python. Is there anyone who feels that, given a little time, they could give a talk on JPython to Java people, or on extending/embedding to a C++ audience? Who is in what user groups/organisations? Organisation --------------- We have a secretary. We also need a Press Officer - any takers? It involves managing an email list and handling responses. Could be the same person, but I don't want to lean on Michael too much. I also suggest a ground rule that anyone can quit a 'committee job' any time if work gets in the way, with no grumbling allowed. Database/SysAdmin ------------------------ I'm a PSA member and will soon have a starship site with a Zope account. AFAIK it is easy to set up databases both for the user group and the world and delegate management. We could have 1. a members' directory with full details 2. a 'sightings' database for companies/projects rumoured to be or known to be using Python. 3. a calendar, with upcoming shows/talks to target, events and a list of past press releases 4. a links page. I suggest that we keep the directory and sightings to members (which are currently defined as subscribers!), as it might have value to recruiting agents etc. which in turn could generate pocket money for the group; and publicising the fact that Bank X uses Python, when one guy sneaked it into a project and then left, might not endear us to them. If this stuff needs an editor, it might not go far; but if we can all contribute any time, we could build up a useful database of where Python is being used. So who knows, or wants to learn, Zope? Next Events -------------- At tne next London one, we want to aim for a few short talks and a venue. How about early December? I will try to get a room with a projector, free of charge, near Liverpool Street so Cambridge people can come down. Everyone could be expected to talk for 2-3 minutes about who they are and what they are doing, and anyone who wants to can demo stuff. We only had 2 and 4 so far. Who would actually turn up next time, given enough notice? I can call in some favours to get the room, but will feel like a total lemon unless we get ten people and some talks together. Suscriptions and Revenue ------------------------------- My feeling on this is wait a few months, and only do it if we cannot generate revenue another way. If, six months from now, we had no fees and a membership of 200 (but kept the list to ourselves), we could charge recruiters a small flat fee or a big contingency fee to mailshot the group; they can get thousands for placing someone in a City job, and so far we have a 100% record in proposing acceptable candidates to City firms - even though Laurie turned them to complete his education :-) That's all I can think of, Andy

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2nd London UK Python meeting
by phil hunt Oct. 17, 1999

Oct. 17, 1999

I got this message from Tegwyn, which I am forwarding: On Sat, 16 Oct 1999 tegwyn.perkins(a)iname.com wrote: > Phil: > > I'm using the crappy iname to get my e-mail whilst I'm over > here. Please could you forward the following to the > Python-UK list. Thanks. > > Bier Rex is on Putney High Street about fifty metres from the > south bank of the river. It is almost directly across from > Putney Cinema. I'm relying on Andy to show us where the Thai > place is. Nearest tube is Putney Bridge - you have to cross > the bridge to get to the pub and the nearest train station is > Putney which is up by the junction of Putney High Street and Upper > Richmond Rd. A number 14 bus stops almost outside. > > See you there! > > Tegwyn Therefore, the next meeting of the ``Putney Chapter'' (non-Putney people welcome, of course!) of the Python-uk group will be: Tuesday 19th October Bier Rex (for location, see above) I don't know the time -- I'm guessing 7:30. -- ***** Phil Hunt ***** philh(a)vision25.demon.co.uk ***** ``They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance'' -- last words of General John Sedgwick, 8 May 1864

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Almost the first UK Python meeting
by andy＠robanal.demon.co.uk Oct. 15, 1999

Oct. 15, 1999

The second meeting of the UK Python User's Group (that's a working title) will take place as follows: Where: Princess Louise pub Bloomsbury 208 High Holborn St. London 0171-405-8816 Holborn Station, Central/Picdadilly Lines When: Monday 4th October, any time after 18:00 Dress Code: Try to look like a Python fan :-) The first meeting was last Wednesday in Cambridge. Any UK Python users are welcome to join the python-uk mailing list at http://starship.python.net/mailman/listinfo/python-uk Regards, Andy Robinson Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

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RE: [Python-uk] Promoting Python in the UK
by Michael Charlton Oct. 14, 1999

Oct. 14, 1999

> [Targeting other communities] > I'm down to speak to the Visual Basic User Group at Microsoft in > Reading from 7:30 on Thursday 15th November, on using Python as a > "macro language" for VB applications. Anyone fancy coming along? > If-you-hate-Microsoft-then-stay-away. > > I'm not far from Reading and would like to come along. I'm more of a > Unix person but, If I can be of help in say preparing presentation slides, > then drop us a line. > Longer term: I now have a Starship account and Zope access. I am > desperately overworked for the next 2 weeks so do not expect much this > month, but plan to arrange it so people can all sign in to the > Python-UK pages, maintain them, and build up databases for this kind > of thing. In Zope, the manager of a folder can create new users below > it; so we can have sections for internal group information and for > public consumption, and build databases for members' info as > discussed, or have members' pages. If it works, we can probably > arrange a snappy URL like http://starship.python.net/python-uk/. Who > wants to learn Zope and help build this stuff? Who's already done it? > Any better ideas how we can manage databases? > > > I feel that I could be making more of a contribution and can spare a > couple of hours a week. Let me look into Zope. Regards Michael. Michael Charlton Nortel Networks GSM HLR-PS Product Verification Email: Michael.Charlton(a)nortelnetworks.com Phone: ESN 590 4963 Intl: +44 1628 43 4963 Fax: ESN 590 4381 Intl: +44 1628 43 4381 Address: 3 Roxborough Way, Foundation Park, Maidenhead BERKS, SL6 2UD, United Kingdom

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Re: [Python-uk] Re: First Cambridge Python meeting - it happened
by Tony J. Ibbs (Tibs) Oct. 14, 1999

Oct. 14, 1999

>> Eddy (tall, no beard or glasses, big laugh, etc.) > >He lied ! I do wear glasses 8^) Damn - never can remember if people wear glasses or not (and heck, I'm not that reliable on beards). Now, attitude to bicycles or hats I'm better at (for some strange reason). Sorry Eddy -- Tony J Ibbs (Tibs) http://www.tibsnjoan.demon.co.uk/ Feet first with 5 wheels... My views! Mine! Mine! (Unless Laser-Scan ask nicely to borrow them.)

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Re: [Python-uk] Re: First Cambridge Python meeting - it happened
by Tony J. Ibbs (Tibs) Oct. 13, 1999

Oct. 13, 1999

>This is now tomorrow. Anyone actually going to turn up? I will, if there's >anyone else going... I will (I've *got* permission from my wife!). By my count that gives us: Eddy (tall, no beard or glasses, big laugh, etc.) me (not tall, beard and glasses, blue "Python", recumbent trike somewhere outside) Paul Edgington (probably) you, that is, Michael Hudson which sounds like enough for a meeting to me... -- Tony J Ibbs (Tibs) http://www.tibsnjoan.demon.co.uk/ Feet first with 5 wheels... My views! Mine! Mine! (Unless Laser-Scan ask nicely to borrow them.)

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