Followup #1: So very disappointed…
JoeP wrote…My problem with the whole story was the news reporters. I can understand the lady not knowing what Ubuntu is, and that it even has Open Office already installed. I just got the feeling that the reporters were trying to cast Ubuntu in a bad light, or as a sub par offering from Dell. Maybe I am too thin skinned, but I felt the reporting was very bad. But that being said now most people (who are not FOSS users) that see the story will see Ubuntu/Linux as something trying to rip off Windows, and the people who do use it as a bunch of hateful/mean spirited immature people.
JoeP: The original story and follow-up blog post was very positive for Ubuntu in my opinion. The premise was that “Someone got an operating system they didn’t expect from Dell but in the end everything turned out well: the school said that their courses will work with any operating system and Verizon said they would send out a technician to help her.”. The bottom line: Ubuntu worked just fine, she just needed some help and hey… this looks pretty cool and its free!!
However now they followed up with how mean people were in response to a story that wasn’t even really about Ubuntu. Do you think those folk at the News Station or who heard about Ubuntu via this news story are going to want to try Ubuntu now? They’re going to think that they won’t be able to get help because they’ll be called “stupid”, “lazy”, and other mean names!!! People who made rude, mean comments have done a horrible disservice to Ubuntu and Linux at large! Those people are the true “Windows Robots”.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Cody,
This is a situation that shows us what’s wrong and right about free software and its community. I think people should read at least once some of the Ubuntu marketing materials and learn from it.
I was so ashamed myself that I wrote to the TV station myself, and I got a very nice response from their Assist. news director, Ron Giordan:
Rafael,
Thank you for the e-mail. We understand it is a small portion of your community that has caused this uproar. It is level-headed thinkers like your self and others I have been in contact with that will move the system forward.
The worst part about this is that the uncivil Ubuntu users failed to recognize that this had nothing to really do with Ubuntu. It had to do with Dell not offering a customer satisfaction when she asked for a different Operating System.
But, all communities have their minority of “haters”.
Again, thanks for the e-mail!
Once again, here’s what not to do:
* Do not attempt converting other people if you haven’t gotten it working for yourself.
* At this point in time, Ubuntu is simply not ready for technophobic people– so don’t even try it.
* Being too preachy is bad. Use your discretion to keep your “preaching” at an appropriate level.
* Some people don’t understand how free software is better. Deal with it. Debate calmly and do not take offense.
* Getting hardcore gamers to leave Windows won’t happen. Linux games can’t compete yet.
* Don’t lie or omit telling the truth about any limitations which might turn up.
* Accept rejections. Some people aren’t ready for this, so don’t push it.