[ubuntu-uk] Awareness-Raising Campaign Idea (was Ubuntu CNR deal)

[Stephen Morrish]

On 2/13/07, Philip Wyett <philip.wyett at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> On 12/02/07, James Tait <james.tait at wyrddreams.org> wrote:
>
> > Robin Menneer wrote:
> > > You also need to carefully define your target eg the huge population
> > of
> > > semi-bored computer-illiterates might be more productive than
> > > experienced-with-windows men-in-the-street ?
> >
> > You may very well be right.  I think especially with people who are not
> > already seasoned/regular computer users and are just deciding to venture
> > in to this brave new world and buy a PC at home for the first time, one
> > very important question they will ask is "What do you use?", shortly
> > followed by "Why?".  I think this type of campaign would be particularly
> > effective for these people.
> >
> > That's not to say that I don't think it has a potential audience among
> > the Windows-faithful.  I still believe that Vista is an opportunity for
> > Ubuntu to come to the fore, with people who would normally have said
> > "I'm buying a PC, therefore I'll get/need a copy of Windows" now pausing
> >
> > for a moment to consider the alternatives.  Again, such a campaign
> > would, I think, prove effective.  I do have regular Windows users asking
> > me about Linux and I'm more than happy to tell them what it is and why I
> >
> > use it.  It hasn't yet resulted in any full-blown conversions, but the
> > message is beginning to get across.
> >
> > > And once they get the
> > > message, they will tell their grandchildren.
> >
> > Indeed.  Up until now, conventional wisdom has suggested that having a
> > PC means running Windows.  With more visibility to those not already
> > acquainted with FLOSS and more positive association, I think we will see
> > a snowball effect.
> >
> > JT
> >
>
> Promoting GNU Linux I've always found to be on a case by case basis with
> most
> even after discussion preferring to stick with the devil they know.
>
> Over the years I have had success with complete converts and limited
> success
> with others, getting them to use apps like Firefox and Open Office on
> their
> Windows machines. Best success I've found is appealing to peoples wallets,
> security benefits and showing people the alternate day to day apps for web
> browsing,
> office work, email, chat etc. that they would get on a GNU Linux system;
> the fact
> the Ubuntu desktop looks nice and is simple eases a lot of peoples fears
> and helps
> with making people comfortable. Though I will note that I do drop the
> default panel
> layout and change it to be more Windows with a single panel at the bottom
> of the
> screen.
>
> Vista I do not see as that much of an opportunity but a greater threat to
> GNU Linux
> than XP was. I currently run two Vista systems and both are very good and
> stable.
>
> One thing that does erk me sometimes is people who push the thousands of
> apps
> in the repositories when most normal folks only use a small core of
> applications. A real
> annoyance is when people fire up synaptic and see what are quite frankly
> rubbish
> descriptions for apps and libs etc. that sometimes leave even me wondering
> what
> the hell is that really.
>
> Regards
>
> Phil
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> ubuntu-uk at lists.ubuntu.com
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
>
> One thing I have learnt is not to go on to much, shut up and listen! It's
amazing as a salesman I know all of the tricks of the trade but just as soon
as I start to talk about Linux I revert to a babbling ubber geek and scare
them off...

Listen to their concerns with Windows, making a mental note. The normal
check list, Virus, spyware, trogens... High maintenance, defrag, scanning
and such not forgetting, Big Brother, US capitalism, anyhow you know the
list.

Explain that there are alternatives and that there have always been
alternatives. Explain what "Free" means when talking about software and why
people become involved. (Beer and speech)

With ubuntu we have the "Mark Shuttleworth story" and the whole ubuntu
movement. Sorry to say this, but there is a whole group of people that will
respond to this once they "get it". Because if we like it or not ubuntu
appeals to middle class Britain in the same way that Live8 did. The same
people that buy Fair-Trade coffee and hand made wholemeal bread... You know
the type.

Some of us are here because we are hobbyists, some are here because of
frustration. There are people that use Linux because of a moral position!

With ubuntu we have the greatest opportunity to get Linux on the desktop of
every well meaning, middle class, tree hugger in the country... Don't just
buy a goat for Christmas, install ubuntu and get rid of that nasty virus
ridden symbol of US capitalism.

Not an argument that will work with all people but if you get the right type
of person it works a treat!


-- 
Regards Steve Morrish...
AKA Pendragon
ICQ 112 044 096
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