I'm not too concerned. After all, we're talking about a *local*
user group. And we've advertised the topic. PHB's that are concerned
about image and/or control or things other than free software won't
bother to show up and "rub elbows" with this audience.
And if they do... Well, that's fine too - they'll taste *part* of
the spectrum that Linux operates in. They may walk away with what
they consider a bad taste in their mouth, but they'll eventually
acquire a new respect for Linux - because they'll be constantly
bombarded with new evidence that Linux means business. (Not by us
but by the general press).
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> Responding to an email about the upcoming Central NH meeting:
> Ed, (& other organizers),
> I realize this is not your usual Linux meeting.
> The reason that it sounds kind of strange, is that
> it is *not* intended to sell Linux!
> This is market research, not marketing!
> I said for them to "say what they want", because I expect
> to be listening, not talking.
> <soapbox>
> No matter what you think about the platforms, one of
> the reasons that Apple, & Microsoft have the following they do,
> is that they did their market research *before* they released their
> products. Granted, both of them released early stuff that was
> questionable, but they went back and *listened* to actual
> people, then released better stuff.
> I want Linux to meet needs, not be a
> "solution in search of a problem to solve".
> </soapbox>
> Yes, I do want demo systems, showing both gnome, & KDE.
> People want to see something, before they know what to ask for.
> But, I want the emphasis on them, not us.
> Comments? (He says, donning his asbestos underwear),
> Bob Sparks
>
> >>>> Ed Lawson said: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> >> Forwarded material >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Bob:
>
> I am distressed. This is two weeks away. Has any planning been done?
> The last thing we need is for people to "Come and say what you want."
> It is one thing to have spur of the moment presentations among
> ourselves, but I don't think it is a good idea to follow that path for
> presenting to people who are curious or wondering if the "Linux thing"
> is serious or just another curiosity of "techies".
>
> Seems the Central Group has yet to walk and this is a significant
> endeavor. If they leave shaking their heads, they will not be back.
> They will not explore the LBS event nor the seminar that is part of
> the Governor's Conference on Volunteerism in May.
>
> Not trying to be negative, but these types of meetings are not ones
> where people can blithely say and do what usually happens at
> gatherings of the Linux faithful. These people will want to see
> things working smoothly, they will want to see things that will work
> for them and do things they need done. They do not care about who has
> used what for how long or how bad MS is or that in a few minutes this
> will be up and running or it really does work and all the rest of the
> usual mantras.
>
> I feel Linux is on the edge so to speak of becoming a recognized option
> by nontech people..the PHBs. We should not forget the word in there
> is Boss and what that entails in terms of responsibility and
> authority.
>
> Ed Lawson
