[oclug] Sat evening rant

[Chris Herrnberger]

Greetings;

As a member of this list since the early days, I've observed that at certain 
times of the year, usually around Feb- Mar this list degrades to the point 
where common human courtesy, manners, etiquette and all those other old 
fashioned social/human values completely disappear. No idea why but it 
happens every year. Like others on this list, I was under the impression that 
this was a support forum for those interested in learning, developing or 
enhancing or promoting their admiration and skills pertaining to open source 
based technologies. Perhaps Im in error. 

The last few weeks/months I have quietly and patiently watched people tear 
each other apart over what: html based email; spelling; personal email; and a 
general " I don't like what you said" approach to discussions or the 
alternative, "its my right". Oh yes lest I foget and offend there is the 
"religion issue" that creeps up and is discussed in terms of democratic and 
constitutional virtues to the point of incomprehensibility on all sides.

Perhaps some are not aware but Linux is in for a rough ride over the next few 
quarters. MS is just starting to pull out it's vast arsenal of skullduggery 
and once unleashed will strike at the heart of the opensource movement. Make 
no mistake the objective is clear. The US economy is slowing, UCITA is 
continuing to make head way in the largest markets and standards continue to 
be manipulated in an effort to gain commercial dominance in a sector. This is 
only some of the serious shit that will prevent further penetration and 
market share for open source based technologies in the immediate future. 

Why should we care, after all, "all this stuff is free and freely distributed 
and I can develop anything I want and the it's better than what they got. Its 
my right" Well sorry to disappoint, others have other ideas. 

DND has just set the wheels in motion after 17:00hrs today to sole source a 
50K seat desktop upgrade from win95 to MS2000. Thats right 50K seats that are 
now permanently locked into a sole supplier (MS), completely legal and with 
further ownerouse implications when active directory protocols are 
considered. Linux on this front is almost gone, and we feel offended and 
violated when someone doesn't conform to group standards pertaining to 
communications etiquette on this list. Hmmmm feel stupid? I do.. 
....Regardless of how important we may all think we are, this is not the 
forum nor the place that will determine Linux's future success. That's 
happening on other fronts now. Perhaps were missing the boat due to a lack of 
attention, commitment and diligence. Something to think about. Can we not get 
back to what makes this group so much fun with all its diversity and 
eclecticism; a group of committed individuals with a common goal.

hmmm.. two more beers and off to bed. Feel a lot better getting that off my 
chest. Thanks for reading

Best as always

Chris Herrnberger