Sigh...

[Dr Dirk Pilat]

Hello all,

just to quickly introduce myself, I'm a German working on New Zealand's 
South Island and have been twiddling with
computers since the Sinclair ZX81 was released in Germany (er, ca 1982).

Like many others I have come to Ubuntu via Slashdot and, not being a 
Linux professional (I normally use OS X and have a Suse Box), found
Ubuntu extremely easy to install, and, most importantly, the artwork - 
with it's low contrast, greys and earthtones - easy on the eye. I 
especially liked
the Ubuntu Logo and the restrained Splashscreen. The fact that it's 
extremely easy to use and thanks to apt-get easy to maintain makes it 
even better.

And then came the new Artwork:

The pic of these three beautiful young humans is undoubtedly tasteful, 
well shot and well intended. I can see it working well on
a poster in my room, on a CD cover and even as an intro on Ubuntu's 
website. As a splash screen or intro on a computer I find
and it just utterly superfluus, as I don't have the mission statement 
of Ubuntu to be shoved down my throat. The community idea
is evident even without the three lads/lassies staring at me, and I 
think that restraint will help Ubuntu's quick spread into the 
workplace.

The Benetton ad would almost certainly contraproductive.

D

P.S. Now don't get me wrong: I like skin and women in bikinis. CTO's 
and legal departments certainly won't.