Technology Turns Against the Techies

The Center City Philadelphia Macintosh Users Group

by Aarthi Manohar

irony

Matt Torbin is a computer nerd on a mission. The full-time Web developer runs a "user group" for techies. And he's trying to keep it going in the face of an unlikely obstacle: technology.

Torbin started the Center City Philadelphia Macintosh Users Group (CCPMUG) in 2006. "The group was an experiment," he says. "There are so many people in Center City who have Macs who would probably love to find that right medium to ask questions."

But despite this multitude of Mac users, CCPMUG has had trouble generating interest. Advances in computer products and the efficiency of the Internet at answering questions have reduced the usefulness of the format. "User groups are suffering across the country," Torbin says. "Instead of coming to a user group on Friday, it's just easier for people to Google their questions."

Still, Torbin believes there's room for groups like his. "Not everything online is trustworthy, or even correct. Many times the answers are simply false in every way. This is one of the main benefits of the user group: The individuals answering questions are professionals who have experience and credibility."

And so, about once a month, at Springboard Media on Walnut Street, Torbin hosts a CCPMUG meeting (usually about eight to 10 people show up, but his e-mail list has about 60 names on it). His plan is to revitalize the form by making it a social event for "Mac geeks."

"We're trying to make [coming to user group meetings] more fun. For example, a Web design seminar that we did was one of our best ... the most laymen of laymen could walk away with some knowledge."

Like many users groups, CCPMUG is a nonprofit that relies on a modest $3 monthly membership fee — and support from Springboard Media, which lets Torbin use its space after-hours — to keep itself afloat. But Torbin believes it can grow, and attract more "geeks," if it becomes sufficiently social.

"The user group is intended to be a fun and enjoyable experience," he says. "We believe strongly that the user group methodology is positive, and can be revived, but it will require involvement from the community."