http://groups.google.com/group/novahackers

NoVA Hackers is FREE! However you MUST participate:

We follow the AHA model of participation: 

Participation is mandatory for continued membership in the group. What this means, is that to retain a subscription to the mailing list, and to not get heckled at the meetings, you must contribute to the group in some form. The way to contribute is by attending the meetings and speaking about what you're working on, what your up to, etc with a prevision for special cases where participation in discussions on the mailing list are accepted on a case, by case basis.

The only set in stone time to when that participation is due is based on a modified "Fight Club" mentality where you are expected to speak your first night attending but it's acceptable to be within the first three meetings as there isn't always room for speakers. Outside of that, you are only required to speak 'every so often' (which loosely means if someone can remember you speaking within the last 6 months or so).

The speaking slots are supposed to be anywhere between 10 and 15 minutes but are not limited to this range as talks have been anywhere between 5 minutes and 2 hours depending on the conversations generated by the talk (which is one of the best features of the environment versus traditional conferences).