[ubuntu-in] OT: Taking tux (and Ubuntu) for a run

[Ramnarayan.K]

Hi

This mail is a sub text to a larger issue which i want to raise some time
soon, The main issue being publicity or the lack off, The recent spate of
FUD- that seems visible to me (atleast) and the traditional hype around the
just released "wincedows craven" (TM) ;-)

The publicity that any Linux distro gets is very poor. At most the community
gets excited and organises a LUG party and install fest and such. Nothing in
comparision to the concerted media efforts at promoting the rich and the
famous.

However , as a community, every one could play a role - we have the
developers and the software makers who do their work wonderfully well, the
service providers who provide high quality service - sometimes free, the
unparalleled and huge self supporting network of friendly users and forums ,
the free OS delivery service etc etc.

But i think what is missing is the community's willingness to step up and
step out and give Linux / Ubuntu (or your distro of choice) the needed PR.
Its a role a lot of us do already do - in a limited way , much in our
personal capacity where the limits of promotion don't expand beyond the
personal (or may be the professional realm). We cannot and maybe should not
compete with the vulgarity of corporate promotions but the thing that makes
the Open Source community stand out is that whoever we are, if not anything,
we are passionate about Open Source, we love it - the idiosyncrasies, the
beauty, the freedom(s) , the no virus no tension, the geek value, the
idiocy's too, among the many.

So am wondering if we can as a community step up the momentum and maybe step
out and wear our passions on our sleeves (both literally and figuratively ).
This might seem political - I know, it is political, its a statement of
choice and intent.

Starting now - we Ubuntu folks have till April 2010 to devise and do things
to make the 10.04 version something great , something that the community can
be proud off - something where other non developers can contribute actively
too. There are a list of ideas I have - but will wait for responses from
others, before stating them.

What do you think ?

***
People might wonder why the "Taking tux (and Ubuntu) for a run" - well
yesterday was the Delhi Half Marathon. I know that tux (the distinctive
Penguin) and the Ubuntu Logo when for the run too, they even over took a
much "wincing" T shirt ;-) . I know because these (linux) logos were one me
- and was quite happy to have people see them.  While deciding what to wear
on my running vest  i wanted to make a statement about Open Source and Linux
amongst my other passions.

***
look forward to your responses

may the source be with you

regards
ram
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