Problems Linux Enthusiasts Refuse to Address

[Samuel Thurston]

Hello,

On Mon, Apr 4, 2011 at 9:08 PM, Michael Haney <thezorch at gmail.com> wrote:
> http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3929866/
>
> I totally agree with everything in this article.  The uber geeks
> aren't alone in the Linux community anymore, and they need to start
> addressing the needs of new users.  In other words, its not your
> private playground anymore.  I especially love this part...
>
>> I'm sorry, but I think in 2011 we have outgrown statements like "it's not Windows" and "visit the forums for help." Providing a simple notice on the distribution websites indicating that self-installation is to be an "as is" type of deal, would provide some much needed reprieve for newbies everywhere.

I think "it's not windows" is fairly obvious.  "Visit the forums for
help" is something I often say to windows users as well.  As to
self-installation being "as-is"... I cannot enumerate the users who
have gotten used machines with a "fresh install" of windows that
didn't use the OEM discs.  As a result, they rightly complain that
sound, wireless, pointing devices, etc. don't work correctly.  I think
in 2011 it's time to stop holding Linux to a standard that doesn't
exist anywhere outside the sealed-box hardware monoculture of Apple.

Here's another bit from the article:

"I'm not talking about dumbing anything down, mind you. No, I simply
want to see all of us decide that we either are going to start taking
our platform seriously or opt to forgo the usual long-winded speech
about how superior it is in comparison to the alternatives."

Do people really still give long-winded speeches about the superiority
of Linux?  I have done my share of zealotry over the years, but I have
learned a valuable lesson:  Linux is not for everyone. Hardcore
gamers? pretty much no.  Anyone who needs to use a specialty app for
which there is no adequate Linux analogue? definitely not.  People who
want things to just work without any tinkering? only if they are
willing to pay a consultant (I charge by the hour.)  Software freedom
purists who are willing to jump through a few hoops to have an
unprecedented level of customization and functionality? YOU BETCHA.

It wasn't always true: there was a time not all that long ago when
Linux really was a tinkerers-only party.  Undoubtedly over time some
of the above statements may no longer hold true.

I think the idea of "getting serious about our platform" is a great
one, as well as being realistic about what it is and what it isn't.
If your grandparents/non-techie cousins or whatever only use basic
apps and don't have established application preferences, the
conversion can go smoothly.  If Uncle Steve absolutely needs peachtree
to handle his existing accounting files, ask: Do you feel like
tinkering with a compatibility layer in order to make a required app
work?  If the answer is not a relatively emphatic "yes",
fuhgettaboutit.