Reed Gage
June 2001
"My God, how does this thing work?" "Can you believe this $&%#?" "I'm drowning in a sea of information!" Computers! For many of us, struggles to operate newly purchased computers and accessories have sabotaged leisurely weekends spent watching movies or relaxing in the park. What was supposed to make life easy has made it more complex. Welcome the technical age! With Information circling the world at the speed of light, things are changing! Suddenly, the world is so small and connected, yet huge - with vast amounts of information.
How can we handle information overload and rapid technological advance? We may need help. Computer schools, Internet forums, help sites, and computer clubs are assisting people. The Nagoya International Personal Computer Club is one such beacon of helpful information offering guidance and a kind of fellowship. This article focuses on the club and the people that make it work.
Some history: five years ago, Nagoya was a difficult place for a PC user. The stores were few, and salesmen often didn't know the answers to computer related questions. There was a desperate need for information and advice, and so; in the fall of 1996 a few people started getting together to discuss solutions to their PC problems. These were the humble beginnings of the NIPCC (Nagoya International Personal Computer Club). At first, only 3 or 4 people gathered in (founder) Martin Green's apartment. Later, as attendance and popularity increased, meetings were held at the Multimedia Cafe, then Shooters Sports Cafe. In 1998 the club moved its meetings to office space at Deacon Computer Consulting (near Sengencho), providing computer access and possibilities for audio-visual presentations.
The new office is an auspicious location for a computer club. s you walk in to your right there are shelves stuffed with colorful boxes, varieties of computer software, and hardware both new and used. On the opposite side of the room, there is a row of computer terminals networked together to a 24-hour high-speed cable Internet connection. In front of the room, a video player and large overhead monitor. To the right, a sturdy metal desk with a stack of blinking box-like gadgets, Martin Greene's personal computer, and a laser-jet and ink-jet printer. This is the workplace of Deacon Consulting, though every third Saturday it becomes a Hall of Knowledge for the on-goings of the NIPCC.
A typical Saturday goes like this... 10 a.m. the executives (president, treasurer, program director, web designer, publicity person) meet and discuss the agenda for the day. Around noon, club members (new and old) begin arriving and filter upstairs into the refreshment room to grab a cup of coffee or tea and sample the day's catch of sweet breads, cookies, and homemade deserts. This is casual time to munch and network with others, and a good time for newbies (new PC users) to ask more experienced users about particular questions or difficulties they might have. At about 12:30 (or shortly thereafter), program coordinator Michael Mulvaney stands up and introduces the day's topic, with relaxed style in a British accent. On some days there is an interlude of self-introductions for the new people present. Next, the topic of the day (usually one or two presenters) ranging from 20 to 90 minutes, often including pictures, demonstrations, videos, or a hands-on tutorial, followed by questions and informal dialogue.
This is the meat of the day, new information. Though often challenging, (and on occasion) beyond the immediate needs of the listener, it is usually understandable. Members sit in a circle and lean forward intent on absorbing the day's wisdom. Often, the presentation is casual, allowing listeners to interrupt and ask questions during the presentation. Some days, a round-table forum results, enabling participants to share personal experiences they have had. Each day is different. At around 2:00 p.m. or thereafter, it's break time and many leave for home or other engagements, while others stay for one-on-one or small group discussions of computer software or gadgetry, or to try surfing the available high-speed cable internet.
Who goes to these meetings? Most attendees are simply curious about computers and the Internet, though some have specific computer questions or problems. There is a large cross-section of ability, from total beginners to experienced users and professionals. The lecture is in English, though there is always an international attendance including Japanese, Korean, Chinese, African, German, Italian, Spanish, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Thai, Philippine, Iranian, Indian, English, Canadian, Australian, American, and others. What kind of work do these people do? Again, it's diverse. A few are university students or professors, English teachers, some are computer consultants, programmers, graphic designers, photographers, others are salesmen, missionaries, office managers, government workers, and even taxi drivers!
One of the advantages of membership to NIPCC is exposure to an assortment of people as well as a diverse sampling of computer related subjects. This year's NIPCC talks have included: Video on the Internet, Scanning Techniques, Ways to Upgrade your PC, Working in Windows Word and Excel, Speed Surfing Techniques, How to Build a Computer, Speedy Internet Connections, and the famous Osu Kannon Tour of Computerland. Anyone interested in NIPCC can learn more by going to www.nipcc.org on the Internet or calling 052-524-5685. Visitors are welcome to come check things out for two meetings before Mineko Nagatani (club finance person) approaches them for dues. Considering the high costs of education in Japan, the 3,000 yen NIPCC annual membership is a rare bargain for anyone interested in computer education.