online article: Should Linux vendors think differently?

[Eric Dunbar]

FYI All... Hein-Pieter posted this only to me by accident.

On 10/11/05, Hein-Pieter van Braam <hp at syntomax.com> wrote:
> <snip>
> > The way to fix it is not PR (that's a *Microsoft* solution... do you
> > really want to Ubuntu to become another Microsoft?), but to ensure
> > that video and audio are supported "out-of-the-box" (that's a realm in
> > which Windows does quite well... probably because all x86 supporting
> > manufacturers design their hardware and drivers for Windows ;-).
>
> Fixing PR is IMHO at least PART of the solution, MS's PR has done it a
> world of good, and has made a LOT of FUD about linux's capabilities, and
> Microsoft has made a lot of FANS too.
>
> A friend of mine who's running linux now (he's 50+ btw) really thinks it
> is the best thing since sliced bread. He actively advocates linux, and I
> have had to install it on quite a few of his friend's computers as
> well.
>
> But, he also says that he meets a lot of active disgust for linux, and,
> in one case someone actually got actively angry for his promotional
> work.
>
> I am not saying that we should stoop as low as MS in it's fud campaigns,
> or get the facts or all the other schemes they come up with, but SOME
> contact with journalists that write poorly about ubuntu might be in
> order. And I mean in a meaningful and respectful manner obviously.
>
> Getting the 'mainstream' media on our side IS an important part of
> success! and that will require some sucking up sometimes :) not for the
> journalist, but for the people that don't want to or don't get to try
> ubuntu because of some badness they read about it :)
>
> my 2cts :)
>
> TMM

"Getting the 'mainstream' media... success!"

Unfortunately too many aspects of life are about image and not
reality, getting Linux (undeserved) positive press is no different

I think it is incumbent on the "Linux community" to remain agnostic
about the Linux OS family in terms of its adoption. If it really is
good enough, it will be adopted because it offers one thing that
commercial software can't -- no licencing fees and no advertising.

What should cause people to use Linux is that it _is_ the best
software for the job*, or is "good enough" given other conditions
(fiscal, practical (i.e. availability)).

*Best = highest quality or best could also be best because of the
principles behind OSS

Eric.