Here are some things that I think may help, this is intended as a basis of discussion.
- Meeting mode
I've found that some groups have a very casual mode, get together in a public location and chat, very social approach. Others have a slightly more formal approach. I think both modes are good but it's good to note up front which mode you are in.
- Meeting Routine
Try to meet at the same time and location at regular intervals. We meet on the second Thursday of the month, Doors open 19:30, kick off 20:00, Same location.
I think once a pattern is established, it avoids a lot of questions about if a meet is happening, when and where. We try really hard to keep to the schedule even if it does sometime seem easier to be more flexible.
- Agenda
I think an agenda is a requirement to communicate what is planned. If can be vague and is not law once written but is is a helpful tool to avoid major overruns or off the beaten track discussions (unless everyone agree that is better than the scheduled item)
20:00 Intro - Darren (15) 20:15 Security update - Tom (30) 20:45 Topic Webstandards - Jens (60)
This takes 5 minutes to write but help form the basis of the meeting and the timing. When - What - Who (How Long)
- Timing
Try to be punctual, it's a good exercise. lots of people tend to think they can cover most topics in 15 - 20 minutes ... WRONG, by the time the laptop has been switched and the first questioned answered 10 minutes are over and you've hardly started yet. If you need longer assign longer rather than be unrealistic, if you finish short I think it's better that finishing late. This is also important for the people presenting after you. If you do overrun ask the group if you should continue or postpone part II to the next meeting
- Mini slots
Saying that it is possible to do a brief column in 10 minutes if you are disciplined enough Presentations don't have to he huge to be good.
- post doc
After a meeting try to write it up and post any presentations/links to the site Maybe write live minutes in a wiki on the evening just to jot down the key points & links.
- Notes about this page
I'm not sure if this is the best document structure, the current order is not significant. Maybe we could rank / vote on these somehow to see what is most agreed upon.