Roy the problem is that usergroups are not all the same friendly and nice in every country !
In Ireland sadly until now the only existing .Net user group is managed by public relation people who cares more about their Seattle client and they have nothing so geeky here. Most of the rare meetings Microsoft organize here are dull.
Yes ok I see the point you can make saying something like 'stop moaning do your own user group'. Well honestly I don't have time !
So I prefer to join and talk to a community usng the blog, maybe helping somebody somewhere. I know some people can find this lame, but maybe some day I will join a real Irish user group, independant and supportive of their community.
Paschal - I feel your pain.
Hopefully someone at MS Ireland will wake up and do something about this lack of community.
I think Microsoft calls it Human Spirit ;)
To share the knowledge and boost the shy talented people.
Recognize the talent and give him a chance to explore more and reward him