andy wrote: > Whilst we want to push ubuntu as much as possible - pushing FLOSS > in general is going to help create an environment in which Ubuntu > can thrive.
The two issues: 1) Public awareness (and use) of FOSS (floss?), and 2) awareness (and use) of Ubuntu. I display monthly at a local computer fair - both FOSS and Ubuntu, and over a year I have noticed that attenders have now become aware of Linux, probably from PC mag and media coverage, also anti vista etc. They are not necessarily *using* it much, but there *is* an awareness which simply was not there a year ago. I also push FOSS - in the form of 'the Open CD'. My leaflets explain and push FOSS, and they get taken. However, the requests are invariably for the alternative to Windows - on my display it is Ubuntu, and no requests come in for FOSS. In conversation it is easy to get an OpenDisc (FOSS for windows) accepted, but the concept which is now out there and happily bouncing around in the wild is 'the alternative to windows'. I think at this time with vista threatening and users already well tired of being pushed around by M$, the concept of an Alternative OS and reinforced with a wider emotional pitch of 'Freedom from feeling Locked in!' is a powerful slant, and one which pushes on an open door. Although the political and economic philosophies in FOSS are central in my thinking, the message is a bit heavy to get across at any one display event. Continuing to use the key words 'alternative' and 'freedom' (with the implied not 'locked in'), I find that discussions of Open Office are fruitful - and this can often lead to an open disc being taken. Increasing use of Open Office is important however and whenever it is prompted, because it underscores the FOSS ideas, and is good quality stuff. Likewise Firefox is well known, and a Firefox banner will enable people to identify with FOSS even though it is the only app they may use currently. Thunderbird is a bit more of a commitment to get people to take on, but it is a step closer to linux. These multi platform apps are useful steps towards linux use, in fact, the very path I used myself. I have found that the strong branding that Ubuntu has is a very important factor is getting recognition. I used to wonder why the tux logo was not used in ubuntu, but only the ubuntu logo (brand). I now think I know. Marketing a (wild) idea needs a clear focus, with no confusion. Ubuntu branding works. I have noticed that there is a layer of pre newbie and newbie existence which is too timid to use LUGs (or even forums) directly. Most windows users are quite anxious of doing anything major, even though they are really fed up with what they have got. A bit of a chat on the display stand seems very useful for them. One person visited over months, then finally installed. It can take a really long time for confidence to build up, much longer than one might expect. These people feel very alone at first. I certainly support the action of pushing ubuntu, and FOSS too. In fact I think the Live CDs (not edubuntu live I think) have some windows FOSS anyway (used in windows). FWIW I find the the keywords Alternative (to Windows) Freedom Locked in are worth considering just now. Good hunting! -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 Linux user #360648 -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
