Good points and I agree in principle. However, I would like to add my thoughts to two areas in your post that I feel weaken the marketing message.
1) The used computer sector is an area of opportunity iff certified (or compatible) systems are marketed over "try this and it might work" systems. Every time we advocate (sell/assemble) a used computer there is clear danger that the new Ubuntu user will receive a unique collection of incompatibilites and will become a negative reference. For further background: http://randall.executiv.es/node/16 2) There is a natural tendency in the community to use the words "Linux" and "Ubuntu" interchangeably. We should refrain from doing so. My reasoning is here: http://randall.executiv.es/node/15 Further fuel is here (please note the steady decline of one of the curves on the graph) http://www.google.com/trends?q=ubuntu%2C+linux Cheers, Randall Ubuntu Vancouver Buzz Generator. The On 10-08-05 02:46 PM, [email protected] wrote: > I believe the strongest market for Linux to make true inroads as a viable > desktop operating system is the used computer sector. > > Many individuals would be much more willing to give Linux a try or a > chance on a nice used, inexpensive computer rather than shelling out big > buck on a brand new machine. When something is expensive they are going to > stick with what they know. > > Stronger focus on cheap, efficient used systems is warranted. Human > character is something that needs to be addressed when considering Ubuntu > or Linux marketing. > > We can't rely on non stop commercials or ads posted everywhere we turn > promoting Ubuntu / Linux. An excellent side door (grass roots) approach is > in used, capable, cheap systems that people would be willing to try. > > No vendors can really sell used systems with windows or mac without two > things occuring. Either the OS that it comes with is stolen or out of > date. > > The reason? Because if its a legit copy that came with the computer its > probably old. Also no one is going to pay a few hundred dollars for a > current windows system on a cheap used computer, so if it comes with one > its probably a pirated copy. > > Linux can provide a modern operating system that runs great on older > hardware and is entirely legitmate. > > We need to focus on this market. I personally have setup numerous older > computers with linux that people were willing to try in on and ending up > loving it. > > Regards, > Ronnie > Buntfu.com > > -- ubuntu-marketing mailing list [email protected] Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-marketing
