Ice's blog

So, apart from the free member t-shirt, what's really the benefit you can get by participating in a Java User Group?

The answer to this question, depends who's asking, but let's try to generalize things a bit...

From the newbie perspective, that is, a person who doesn't know much about Java or programming in general, but is enthusiastic about it:

Access to valuable tips from members that have 'been down the road'

This means that by participating (both actively and passively) on our mailing list, public chats or technical presentations, you'll get the feel about what route to take and tips how to start learning technology, particularly in this case, Java.

Cause there are many tools, frameworks and developement environments surrounding the Java technology, it's better if you get the good and bad experiences  from the people who already used most of them. Also, questions like 'What books to read?' or 'Is there any quick 'dive-in' tutorial I can use to get me started?' and similar, are likely to be answered.

Other general benefits of joining a JUG would be: 

Make contacts

JUGs in general tend to put the core of the Java community in one place, in one time. That is a perfect time for members to make contacts and collaborate among each other.

Participate in technical conferences

One of the 'high points' in the lifecycle of one JUG are the technical conferences for a topic relating to the Java technology or IT in general. You can use those points by being one of the presenters to those sessions or just sit back and enjoy the presentations, and use the chance to talk with the members after the session is over, with some snacks and drinks.

We hope, although I'm confident about it, that with the help of our supporters to get some interesting and exciting presenters to attend some of those technical session.

On the other hand, you don't always need to have exciting presenters to have good technical sessions. Our members are experienced enough to step-up and take the chance to share some knowledge and experience with us.

JUGs are important!

 And because of that many companies and organizations are providing discounts and free services to JUG members. For example, O'Reilly provides discounts and donates books to all JUG members.

Practice regular meetings with 'free-thinkers' like yourself

We tend to meet-up frequently, just to sit down and talk about pretty much everything, with the core of the talks revolving around Java and technology in general, along with some drinks. These meetings has the goal of allowing the members to get to know each other better.

The perfect getaway?

And finally, for the members that are married or in a long-term relationship, all of the above activities are a great excuse just to get out of home ;).

Join Us! 

So, if you are interested about joining us, we'll be glad to have you on-board. Just subscribe to our mailing list and start the collaboration! It won't cost you a thing :)