Here's a short think piece I wrote. The answer to the above question is not entirely clear.

http://supportingusergroups.blogspot.com

"Truth is,computer user group ought to be run by a full time paid manager who needs to have executive function over all operations of the group. "

Disagree- have you heard of BarCamp ?? They are run by the users themselves-- with no influencer but thier own peer group. They plan, excute and synergize technology without any intravention from a full time paid manager ro company.

   Yes, BarCamps do need sponsers.. If google or that matter of fact any org can sponser a "barcamp" that would be great – Yeah, we are always short on the darn AV equipment, snacks and beers :)-

The Truth is that the Computing Community is and slowing turning into the a grassroot level initative , wherein which we hold our own.. this gives the Opensource community the "power" to be creative and vocal on thier own thoughts without being locked into a company (like google ?)

Agreed : Assist and run "community technology centers" –

Just like the BigMoo project here :)-

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2006/05/your_new_comput.html