[oclug]Xandros: [mingp@xandros.com: Re: iso]

[Shad Young]

On Wednesday 23 October 2002 07:46 pm, Michael P. Soulier wrote:
>
>     You're an idealistic lad Shad. I like that. But, we must be pragmatic
> going forward in our advocacy in the short term if we're to convince anyone
> that they're not going to lose their job by picking Linux.
>
>     Mike

An idealistic old man perhaps ;) (at least in our world or under 30 
somethings)

I don't know how much of it is idealism. My stint at IBM allowed me access to 
much of the small to medium business secotor. While some were not at all 
receptive, many were actually very open to an alternative solution. Some 
moved to Star Office after discovering its existence. Most were surprised 
when shown a working copy of Red Hat on the desktop. 

Most people will bite the bullet when it is the right and somewhat easy thing 
to do (which supports your argument). They need to be shown. Xandros hit it 
on the head with their general approach. I should have pointed out that from 
what I have seen, it looks to be a very well developed OS. Make Open Office 
look and work as well, MS will be left behind.

Everything you say makes sense. I agree with you whole heartedly. But, we 
should not sell OSS, or humanity,  short. The world is actually a pretty open 
and understanding place. It is just a matter of perception I think. And 
perception can be over come. But not if we keep saying MS is better. I look 
forward to the day where we don't have too.

I don't know what the right answer will ultimately turn out to be, but it is 
interesting none the less. Besides I would pay twice as much for it if say, I 
were entitled to free crossover support (so those large scripts work). That 
would sell to the business sector that concernes me. 

Small business is so important. More than monolitic giants who may not exist 
in five years if Nortel is any example - its sad that the world focuses on 
the shinnigans of 1% of the business sector when in reality the world is kept 
going by mom and pop organizations; look how little impact the Tech collaps 
had on our economy.. almost none but a slowing of growth for a year. None but  
the Americans were hurt by it. Of course their usual response to econimic 
crisis is to start a war, but thats for a different forum.

Best
Shad