Exactly how far off-topic does the Leica Users Group get? A recipe for brussels sprouts

The Leica Users Group (LUG) -- a list-serv/mailing-list -- is an online community in which I have sometimes participated. When I have, I really enjoyed it. (Lately, however, I have been spending time on Flickr.) Many photographers do not like it because its discussions so very frequently stray "off-topic" -- way off-topic. Members of the list -- "LUGgers" get so, umm, passionate, that the list has, in the past -- been shut down until participants cooled off.

But it's the freewheeling nature of the list, and the passion, and the sense of engagement and love and support for an activity -- photography -- that keep me coming back to it, despite the insanely protracted message threads.

I actually like the digressions -- there are interesting people on the LUG and -- like most really interesting people -- they are curious about the world around them, not just their own tools and hobby-horses, so with every digression comes piquant observations and candid remarks. Some of the members are like me: amateurs; others are photojournalists, or professional photographers who nevertheless enjoy their work so much they take busman's holidays with their Leicas, and on the LUG. [A gallery of LUGgers]

Brussels sprouts, as prepared in Brussels, by LUG member Philippe Orlent --

• Wash the sprouts


• Cut out the bottom


• Put them in (slightly salted) boiling water for about 5 minutes


• Exit hot boiling water


• Melt butter in pot at low fire


• Add sprouts


• A bit of (?)


• Put on lid on pot


• Let simmer till ready, just a bit softer than al dente, external leaves starting to come off


• Add tiny blocks of bacon


• Add pepper and salt to taste


• Combine with faisant or so.


• And ofcourse a good glass of wine :-)


• Bon appetit

[t d f]