[Sosfbay-discuss] schwag

[Cameron L. Spitzer]

Microsoft has really blown it with Vista, and Ubuntu 8.10 is getting
really good reviews outside of the usual open-source advocacy
venues.
http://www.crn.com/software/211800390
http://lifehacker.com/5072351/a-users-look-at-ubuntu-810-intrepid-ibex
http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/ubuntu-8-10-review.html
Microsoft admitted in its 10-K filings (the only place corporations
tell the truth) over a decade ago that free software was its only
real competition.  This is the year that drawing the connection between
the Green and software freedom movements matters more than ever.
People have heard of "Linux" now, but nobody's put anything in their
hands yet.

I'm burning some copies and working on a low-literacy flyer to go
in the CD sleeve.  I think the way to make it less imposing is to
move most of the instructions to the web.

For those who came in late, a few years ago the county party passed
a resolution endorsing the concept of truly free software.
I think it's one of our best schwag items.
It's been a struggle to keep the CDs among the tabling literature,
because most of us doing the tabling don't like it, or can't
explain it, or something.

We distribute free software to new users
on a CD that can boot and run a PC without installing, and can also
do a permanent, self-maintaining installation.  The going rate for a
"live Linux CD" on Ebay is a dollar, plus five for "shipping and
handling."  They cost 25 cents to make, not counting labor, and
contain about nine billion dollars worth of software.  The pitch is
"give this to the person who takes care of your computer for you."
Macintosh users don't need one, having decided to throw money
at the problem instead.

-Cameron