Group,
I'm tired of people sending me Microsoft Office files. This is a threat to my freedom and my bank account: the sender is expecting me to use a secret format, controlled by a powerful corporation; and it is a very expensive product.
I propose that we stop accepting such files.
This might not be immediately practical, so how about an alternative solution: Open the file, save it into OOo's native format (SXI), then send it back to them. If they ask what is this, say: ``Oh, it is an open format ... You don't don't OpenOffice.org installed on your computer? ... Install it and you can view my attachment.'' Help them with the install if need be.
This might seams harsh, but it is exactly what they are doing to us by sending DOC/PPT/XLS etc. By sending them SXI, however, we are not threatening freedom nor personal bank accounts.
The tide is turning, we must all help make it happen. Get two friends to start using OOo.
(Apologies for the lecture, and I know that this isn't a new or novel idea, but I had to get it off my chest, and an OOo mailing groups seems like a suitable venue.)
Steve
I wouldn't go that far but I would take the time to provide some links to OOo and Oasis to show them the benefit of using OOo.
I just did this with a volunteer organization that had archived files in many formats. This created a problem for those that received their copies of "MS word from work" and didn't install all the filters. They could not open the files. I converted the files to OOo and/or pdf and supplied a copy of OOo on the CD I returned to them. Now they don't have any excuse. One person has already put it on his computer.
I also point out that many people are moving away from Windows and going to Linux. These people cannot easily (I'm not going to let them know how easy) read their MS documents. If they can start using OOo now, they will be ready for the rush. The file size is another issue that they like.
It is easier to show them the benefits than to beat them over the head. Of course, there is the odd time that I forget ;) and send them an OOo file. This usually opens up some dialog about what the file format is and such.
If you do allot of work with an organization, send them a copy on CD. Our volunteer organization is going to make some CD's with open source software to give away.
And best of all, convince them that they can save some money. This always gets them to open their eyes.
-- Robin Laing
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