The theme issue: in search of a solution

[bill g]

On Sat, 16 Oct 2004 04:14:16 +0200, Daniel Borgmann
<spark-mailinglists at web.de> wrote:
> On Fri, 2004-10-15 at 09:02 -0400, bill g wrote:
> > On Fri, 15 Oct 2004 13:10:56 +0200, Daniel Borgmann
> > <spark-mailinglists at web.de> wrote:
> > > What I like the most about the artwork is probably what others like the
> > > least about it: It's completely unexpected. :)
> >
> > Unexpected, certainly, but also inexplicable. If the Ubuntu folks want
> > to wrap their product with a social agenda, that's their business.
> > However, the notion that an operating system can claim to have a
> > philosophy is alien to most people, and will remain so.  Certainly.
> 
> But not to all people and that's the point.

What point?  To cater only to people who entertain the notion that the
thing running their PC has a philosophy?  I just don't understand why
some people see a connection between a software development model and
society at large.  How is proclaiming a motto about "humanity" and
slapping on an image that requires an explanation to be understood
going to impact society?

>...there is no more connection between
> > Unbuntu and fostering awareness of our common humanity than between a
> > shiny new dishwasher and common humanity.
> 
> That's your opinion but others disagree, including the one who actually
> puts the money into this project which made it possible in the first
> place. Who are you to tell him, that he shouldn't follow his vision?
> 

I'm no one in particular.  And, I'm not telling anyone to avoid their
"vision". I'm just saying I don't see the linkage between Ubuntu's
imagery and motto and, well, much of anything else. I mean, what's
supposed to happen when people read that motto and see that image?

billg