[ubuntu-uk] Interesting cold call to (sussex) re linux

[alan c]

I often see small ads in local papers here for computer support and
home PC fix of problems, and I had toyed with the idea of phoning one
or two to ask - if they used linux, or maybe offered installs, or even
if they had any questions to ask. As an  'enthusiast' (volunteer) I
would be happy to try to answer or help maybe. I see a lot of such
people at the computer fairs that I attend with Infopoint displays, so
it is not a big stretch to phone up and ask something.

Locally there is a free distribution of a weekly magazine containing
only adverts - 'Friday Ad(verts)' and I looked up the computer
services. The obvious phone number did not seem local to my own area,
but I gave it a shot anyway.  The guy the other end had the initial
reaction that as a caller I was a bit out of his area - he is Sussex
and Kent - I am in Berkshire. He concluded that the paper had been
putting extra adverts in to make up space.

Anyway, after explaining I had not called to ask for his 'services'
but had a question about what he used - I asked if he ever offered
open source software or 'non-windows' things - such as linux? He said
he did use linux a bit, more for interest than anything - 'people tend
not to ask for it'. He had a sensible question - what did I 'expect to
get out of it'? (a very proper business question!) I said I was simply
an enthusiast - who with others were happy to offer information and
occasional help - answering questions etc, and I mentioned Ubuntu as a
rapidly growing popular movement which had an associated self and
community help side to it. And I expected nothing otherwise.

He seemed impressed to have come across an 'enthusiast'. I explained
that the ubuntu distro was very popular and also tended to attract
those who also were happy to be helpful. It was non political and non
religious etc etc.

I mentioned I had an elderly friend who had bought a pc for 50 uk
pounds last week and I had installed Kubuntu as dual boot and the
friend was very happy because it could not get viruses and was easy to
secure.

In a business scenario he could perhaps say - I will sort out your PC
for X pounds and for an extra 20 pounds I could *also* install
something which will *not* get viruses. (Make more money, get a niche
market).

He was keen to want to stay in touch with me, and sounded genuinely
interested.

In summary, it went well!
(any Sussex area ubuntu users out there?)
-- 
alan cocks
Linux registered user #360648