Working for a short while in computer retail, I am growing more and more crazy from how the concept of free software is essentially taboo in that environment. While the reason why a computer retailer can not survive with free software could be "explained" all people want, the essence of that, and the fact that people are essentially trying to cover up something as good and important as open source software, tells me that there is something seriously broken here and it has to be fixed one way or another. With Linux expanding so rapidly and really becoming a positive thing for end users, businesses can't keep sweeping this under the rug forever. Even with Linux platforms succeeding at being invisible, the difference between that and the competition is obvious. (There are lots of things people take for granted until they read about them in the paper or see something reminding them on TV; Linux, unlike certain other jarringly visible computer platforms, is one of those things).
Obviously, the best way to stop those businesses trying to dodge Linux is for people to start coming to their stores thinking about free software. Maybe with enough attention going that way, they will develop ways to work with it. That would be one big hurdle overcome in terms of adoption! (Though I'm sure it's obvious to you guys, being the marketing people and all). ...The obvious /realistic/ fix: Occasional promotion of Ubuntu at community events, and with friends. I for one am personally helping people with their Linux questions in the store I work at, which seems to have developed a quiet increase in Linux-seeking customers... Interestingly, even the people just looking in to Linux for the first time - usually Ubuntu - seem quite excited about the idea, which I find very cool. Then, I realized that I should really think about promoting Ubuntu properly (in an environment where promoting free software does not get frowned upon) if I am so keen on it! One of few other local, popular places keen on free knowledge is a library. Actually, that seems the perfect place through which to promote Ubuntu, since a public library has no big financial reliance on Microsoft's confounded business strategy and is, in theory, all about knowledge. Their administration and audience also leans very much to the socialist end of things. Lots of libraries hold small workshops and classes. The one in my area even has an open bulletin board set up, which could prove useful, if there was something worth posting there that didn't look like spam... (My only problem: $12 of accumulated late fees). So, before I meander way off topic: I can't possibly be the only one who has pondered promoting Ubuntu, in some way, at a public library. Any experiences, examples, related stories, screams of terror or links? Feel free to share! Bye, -Dylan McCall
signature.asc
Description: This is a digitally signed message part
-- ubuntu-marketing mailing list [email protected] Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-marketing
