Hi This mail is a sub text to a larger issue which i want to raise some time soon, The main issue being publicity or the lack off, The recent spate of FUD- that seems visible to me (atleast) and the traditional hype around the just released "wincedows craven" (TM) ;-)
The publicity that any Linux distro gets is very poor. At most the community gets excited and organises a LUG party and install fest and such. Nothing in comparision to the concerted media efforts at promoting the rich and the famous. However , as a community, every one could play a role - we have the developers and the software makers who do their work wonderfully well, the service providers who provide high quality service - sometimes free, the unparalleled and huge self supporting network of friendly users and forums , the free OS delivery service etc etc. But i think what is missing is the community's willingness to step up and step out and give Linux / Ubuntu (or your distro of choice) the needed PR. Its a role a lot of us do already do - in a limited way , much in our personal capacity where the limits of promotion don't expand beyond the personal (or may be the professional realm). We cannot and maybe should not compete with the vulgarity of corporate promotions but the thing that makes the Open Source community stand out is that whoever we are, if not anything, we are passionate about Open Source, we love it - the idiosyncrasies, the beauty, the freedom(s) , the no virus no tension, the geek value, the idiocy's too, among the many. So am wondering if we can as a community step up the momentum and maybe step out and wear our passions on our sleeves (both literally and figuratively ). This might seem political - I know, it is political, its a statement of choice and intent. Starting now - we Ubuntu folks have till April 2010 to devise and do things to make the 10.04 version something great , something that the community can be proud off - something where other non developers can contribute actively too. There are a list of ideas I have - but will wait for responses from others, before stating them. What do you think ? *** People might wonder why the "Taking tux (and Ubuntu) for a run" - well yesterday was the Delhi Half Marathon. I know that tux (the distinctive Penguin) and the Ubuntu Logo when for the run too, they even over took a much "wincing" T shirt ;-) . I know because these (linux) logos were one me - and was quite happy to have people see them. While deciding what to wear on my running vest i wanted to make a statement about Open Source and Linux amongst my other passions. *** look forward to your responses may the source be with you regards ram
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