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-
-
-
-Linux Advocacy mini-HOWTO
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!!Linux Advocacy mini-HOWTO
-
-!!Paul L
. Rogers,
-
-Paul.L.Rogers@li.orgv0.5c, 3 May 2000
-
-
-----
-''This document provides suggestions for how the Linux community can
-effectively advocate the use of Linux.''
-----
-
-
-
-
-!!1. About this document
-
-
-
-
-!!2. Copyright Information
-
-
-
-
-!!3. Introduction
-
-
-
-
-!!4. Related Information
-
-
-
-
-!!5. Advocating Linux
-
-
-
-
-!!6. Canons of Conduct
-
-
-
-
-!!7. User Groups
-
-
-
-
-!!8. Vendor Relations
-
-
-
-
-!!9. Media Relations
-
-
-
-
-!!10. Acknowledgements
-----
-
-!!1. About this document
-
-
-
-
-
-This is the Linux Advocacy mini-HOWTO and is intended to provide guidelines
-and ideas to assist with ''your'' Linux advocacy efforts.
-
-
-This mini-HOWTO was inspired by Jon ``maddog'' Hall when he responded to a
-request for feedback on guidelines for advocating Linux during
-!NetDay activities. He responded positively to the
-guidelines and observed that they were the basis of a list of ``canons
-of conduct'' that would benefit the Linux community.
-
-
-This document is available in HTML form at
-http://www.datasync.com/~rogerspl/Advocacy-HOWTO.html.
-
-
-Nat Makarevitch
-<nat@nataa.fr.eu.org>
-has translated this document into
-French.
-
-
-Chie Nakatani
-<jeanne@mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp>
-has translated this document into
-Japanese.
-
-
-Janusz Batko
-<janus@krakow.linux.org.pl>
-has translated this document into
-Polish.
-
-
-Bruno H. Collovini
-<buick@microlink.com.br>
-has translated this document into
-Portuguese.
-
-
-Mauricio Rivera Pineda
-<rmrivera@hotmail.com>
-has translated this document into
-Spanish.
-
-
-The author and maintainer of the Linux Advocacy mini-HOWTO is Paul L. Rogers
-<Paul.L.Rogers@li.org>.
-
-
-Comments and proposed additions are welcome.
-
-
-If you need to know more about the
-Linux Documentation Project
-or about Linux HOWTO's, feel free to contact the supervisor Tim Bynum
-<linux-howto@sunsite.unc.edu>.
-Tim Bynum will post this document to several national and international
-newsgroups on a monthly basis.
-
-
-A personal note: Due to various circumstances, I have not been able
-to dedicate as much time to maintaining this mini-HOWTO and interacting
-with the Linux community as I would have desired. I apologize for this
-and if you have attempted to contact me and I was slow in responding,
-please forgive me being so inconsiderate. While I still have many other
-commitments, I am anticipating that they will start requiring less time
-to meet and allow me to catch up on other parts of my life.
-I appreciate your patience and would like to extend a special thanks
-to all who have taken the time to suggest additions and corrections.
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!2. Copyright Information
-
-
-
-
-
-This mini-HOWTO is Copyright (c) 1996-2000 by Paul L. Rogers. All rights
-reserved.
-
-
-A verbatim copy may be reproduced or distributed in any medium physical or
-electronic without permission of the author. Translations are similarly
-permitted without express permission if it includes a notice on who translated
-it.
-
-
-Short quotes may be used without prior consent by the author. Derivative work
-and partial distributions of the Advocacy mini-HOWTO must be accompanied with
-either a verbatim copy of this file or a pointer to the verbatim copy.
-
-
-Commercial redistribution is allowed and encouraged; however, the author would
-like to be notified of any such distributions.
-
-
-In short, we wish to promote dissemination of this information through as many
-channels as possible. However, we do wish to retain copyright on the HOWTO
-documents, and would like to be notified of any plans to redistribute the
-HOWTOs.
-
-
-We further want that ''all'' information provided in the HOWTOs is
-disseminated. If you have questions, please contact Tim Bynum, the Linux
-HOWTO coordinator, at
-linux-howto@sunsite.unc.edu.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!3. Introduction
-
-
-
-
-
-The Linux community has known for some time that for many
-applications, Linux is a stable, reliable, robust (although not
-perfect) product. Unfortunately, there are still many people,
-including key decision-makers, that are not aware of the existence of
-Linux and its capabilities.
-
-
-If Linux and the many other components that make up a Linux
-distribution are to reach their full potential, it is critical that we
-reach out to prospective ``customers'' and advocate (being careful not
-to promise too much) the use of Linux for appropriate applications.
-The reason that many a company's products have done well in the
-marketplace is not so much due to the product's technical superiority
-but the company's marketing abilities.
-
-
-If you enjoy using Linux and would like to contribute something to
-the Linux community, please consider acting on one or more of the
-ideas in this mini-HOWTO and help others learn more about Linux.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!4. Related Information
-
-
-
-
-
-Lars Wirzenius, former
-comp.os.linux.announce
-moderator and long-time Linux activist, also has some
-thoughts
-about Linux advocacy.
-
-
-Eric S. Raymond provides an
-analysis
-of why the development model used by the Linux community has
-been so successful.
-
-
-The free software community has recognized that the terms
-"free software" and "freely available software" are not appropriate
-in all contexts. For more information about using the term
-"open-source software" when marketing "free software", please
-visit the
-Open Source
-site.
-
-
-If you need to brush up on your Linux sales techniques,
-take a look at the
-Linuxmanship
-essay by Donald B. Marti, Jr.
-
-
-The
-Linux PR
-site discusses the importance of press releases to the Linux
-community. Another way to gain valuable experience in this
-area is to organize a !NetDay at a local school using the
-guidelines presented in the
-!NetDay How-To Guide.
-
-
-
-Linux International's
-goal is to promote the development and use of Linux.
-
-
-The
-Linux Documentation Project
-is an invaluable resource for Linux advocates.
-
-
-The
-Linux Center Project
-provides a thematical index of resources about
-Linux and free software.
-
-
-The
-Linux Business Applications
-site provides a forum for organizations that depend on Linux
-for day-to-day business operations to share their experiences.
-
-
-
-Linux Enterprise Computing
-and
-Freely Redistributable Software in Business
-cover resources and topics of interest to those
-deploying Linux in a business/commercial/enterprise setting.
-
-
-The
-Linux Advocacy Project's
-goal is to encourage commercial application developers
-to provide native Linux versions of their software.
-
-
-The
-Linux CD and Support Giveaway
-program is helping make Linux more widely
-available by encouraging the reuse of Linux CD-ROMs.
-
-
-
-Specialized Systems Consultants, Inc. (SSC)
-hosts the
-Linux Resources
-site and publishes the
-''
-Linux Journal''.
-
-
-The
-linux-biz
-mailing list is a forum created to discuss the
-use of Linux in a business environment.
-
-
-The Linux Mission Critical Systems
-survey
-documents successful existing systems which have a large
-load and are up 24 hours per day.
-
-
-A number of online publications are now devoted to
-covering Linux. These include:
-
-
-*''
-!LinuxFocus''
-
-*
-
-*''
-Linuxove noviny''
-
-*
-
-*''
-Linux Gazette''
-
-*
-
-*''
-PLUTO Journal''.
-*
-
-
-
-Additional links to online publications can be found at the
-Linux Documentation Project
-and the
-Linux Center Project.
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!5. Advocating Linux
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*Share your personal experiences (good and bad) with Linux.
-Everyone knows that software has bugs and limitations and
-if we only have glowing comments about Linux, we aren't
-being honest. I ''love'' to tell people about having to
-reboot four times (three scheduled) in three years.
-
-*
-
-*If someone has a problem that Linux may be able to solve,
-offer to provide pointers to appropriate information
-(Web pages, magazine articles, books, consultants, ...).
-If you haven't actually used the proposed solution, say so.
-
-*
-
-*If you are available for making presentations about Linux,
-register with the
-Linux Speakers Bureau.
-
-*
-
-*Offer to help someone start using Linux. Follow up to make
-sure that they are able to use their system effectively.
-
-*
-
-*Some people still believe that Linux and similar systems
-operate only in text-mode. Make sure that they are aware of
-the availability of graphical applications, such as the
-Gimp.
-
-*
-
-*Try to respond to one ``newbie'' posting each week.
-Seek out the tough questions, you may be the only one
-to respond and you may learn something in the process.
-However, if you aren't confident that you can respond with
-the correct answer, find someone that can.
-
-*
-
-*Seek out small software development firms and offer to make
-a presentation about Linux.
-
-*
-
-*If the opportunity arises, make a presentation to your
-employer's Information Technology group.
-
-*
-
-*Participate in community events such as
-!NetDay.
-While your first priority must be to
-contribute to the success of the event, use the opportunity to let
-others know what Linux can do for them.
-
-*
-
-*Always consider the viewpoints of the person to whom you are
-``selling'' Linux. Support, reliability, interoperability and
-cost are all factors that a decision-maker must consider.
-Of the above, cost is often the least important portion of the equation.
-
-*
-
-*Availability of support is often mentioned as a concern when
-considering the adoption of Linux. Companies such as
-Caldera,
-Cygnus Solutions,
-Red Hat,
-and
-S.u.S.E.
-offer support for some or all components of a typical Linux
-distribution. In addition, the
-Linux Consultants HOWTO
-provides a listing of companies providing commercial
-Linux related support. Of course, some of the best support is
-found in the ''comp.os.linux'' and ''linux'' newsgroup
-hierarchies.
-
-*
-
-*Point out that the production of
-open-source software
-takes place in an environment of open collaboration between
-system architects, programmers, writers, alpha/beta testers
-and end users which often results in well documented, robust
-products such as
-Apache,
-GNU Emacs,
-Perl
-and the
-Linux kernel.
-
-*
-
-*Stand up and be counted! Register with the
-Linux Counter.
-
-*
-
-*Report successful efforts of promoting Linux to
-Linux International
-(
-li@li.org)
-and similar organizations.
-
-*
-
-*Find a new home for Linux CD-ROMs and books that you no longer
-need. Give them to someone interested in Linux, a public
-library or a school computer club. A book and its CD-ROM
-would be most appropriate for a library. However, please be
-sure that making the CD-ROM publicly available does not
-violate a licensing agreement or copyright. Also, inform
-the library staff that the material on the CD-ROM is freely
-distributable. Follow up to make sure it is available on
-the shelves.
-
-*
-
-*When purchasing books about software distributed with Linux,
-give preference to books written by the author of the software.
-The royalties that authors receive from book sales may be
-the only monetary compensation received for their efforts.
-<-- Need to fix or change the Powered by Linux text -->
-
-*
-
-*Encourage Linux-based sites to submit their entry for the
-Powered by Linux
-page and suggest that banners promoting
-Linux,
-Apache,
-GNU,
-Perl
-... be displayed on their site.
-
-*
-
-*Participate! If you have benefited from
-open-source software,
-please consider assisting the free software community by:
-
-
-**submitting detailed bug reports
-**
-
-**writing documentation
-**
-
-**creating artwork
-**
-
-**supplying management skills
-**
-
-**suggesting enhancements
-**
-
-**providing technical support
-**
-
-**contributing software
-**
-
-**donating equipment
-**
-
-**furnishing financial support.
-**
-
-The
-Linux Documentation Project
-provides a
-list
-of Linux and Linux-related projects.
-
-*
-
-*Finally, keep in mind that we all have infinitely more important
-issues to deal with than the selection of a computing environment.
-*
-
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!6. Canons of Conduct
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*As a representative of the Linux community, participate
-in mailing list and newsgroup discussions in a professional
-manner. Refrain from name-calling and use of vulgar language.
-Consider yourself a member of a virtual corporation
-with Mr. Torvalds as your Chief Executive Officer. Your words
-will either enhance or degrade the image the reader has of the
-Linux community.
-
-*
-
-*Avoid hyperbole and unsubstantiated claims at all costs. It's
-unprofessional and will result in unproductive discussions.
-
-*
-
-*A thoughtful, well-reasoned response to a posting will not
-only provide insight for your readers, but will also increase
-their respect for your knowledge and abilities.
-
-*
-
-*Don't bite if offered flame-bait. Too many threads degenerate
-into a ``My O/S is better than your O/S'' argument.
-Let's accurately describe the capabilities of Linux and
-leave it at that.
-
-*
-
-*Always remember that if you insult or are disrespectful
-to someone, their negative experience may be shared with many others.
-If you do offend someone, please try to make amends.
-
-*
-
-*Focus on what Linux has to offer. There is no need to bash
-the competition. Linux is a good, solid product
-that stands on its own.
-
-*
-
-*Respect the use of other operating systems. While Linux is
-a wonderful platform, it does not meet everyone's needs.
-
-*
-
-*Refer to another product by its proper name.
-There's nothing to be gained by attempting to ridicule a company
-or its products by using ``creative spelling''.
-If we expect respect for Linux, we must respect other products.
-
-*
-
-*Give credit where credit is due. Linux is just the kernel.
-Without the efforts of people involved with the
-GNU project,
-MIT, Berkeley and others too numerous to mention, the Linux
-kernel would not be very useful to most people.
-
-*
-
-*Don't insist that Linux is the only answer for a particular
-application. Just as the Linux community cherishes the freedom
-that Linux provides them, Linux only solutions would deprive
-others of their freedom.
-
-*
-
-*There will be cases where Linux is not the
-answer. Be the first to recognize this and offer another
-solution.
-*
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!7. User Groups
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*Participate in a local user group. An
-index
-of Linux User Group registries is part of the
-Linux Documentation Project.
-If a user group does not exist in your area, start one.
-
-*
-
-*The
-Linux User Group HOWTO
-covers many of the issues involved with starting an
-user group and discusses the importance of Linux
-advocacy as one of the goals of a user group.
-
-*
-
-*Make speakers available to organizations interested in Linux.
-
-*
-
-*Issue
-press releases
-about your activities to your local media.
-
-*
-
-*Volunteer to configure a Linux system to meet the needs of
-local community organizations. Of course, the installation
-process must include training the user community to use the
-system and adequate documentation for ongoing maintenance.
-
-*
-
-*Discus the Linux Advocacy mini-HOWTO at a meeting. Brainstorm
-and submit new ideas.
-*
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!8. Vendor Relations
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*When contemplating a hardware purchase, ask the vendor about
-Linux support and other user's experiences with the product
-in a Linux environment.
-
-*
-
-*Consider supporting vendors that sell Linux based products and
-services. Encourage them to have their product listed in the
-Linux Commercial HOWTO.
-
-*
-
-*Support vendors that donate a portion of their income to
-organizations such as the
-Free Software Foundation,
-the
-Linux Development Grant Fund,
-the
-XFree86 Project
-or
-Software in the Public Interest.
-If possible, make a personal donation to these or
-other organizations that support
-open-source software.
-Don't forget that some employers offer a matching
-gift program program.
-
-*
-
-*If you need an application that is not supported on
-Linux, contact the vendor and request a native Linux version.
-*
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!9. Media Relations
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*Linux International is collecting
-press clippings
-that mention Linux, GNU and other freely redistributable software.
-When you see such an article, please send the
-following information to
-clippings@li.org:
-
-
-**Name of publication
-**
-
-**Publisher's contact address
-**
-
-**Name of author
-**
-
-**Author's contact address
-**
-
-**Title of article
-**
-
-**Page number where the article starts
-**
-
-**The URL if available online
-**
-
-**A summary of the article, including your opinion
-**
-
-
-*
-
-*If you believe that Linux was not given fair treatment in
-an article, review or news story, send the details, including
-the above information, to
-li@li.org
-so that an appropriate response can be sent to the publisher.
-If you contact the publisher directly, be professional and
-sure of your facts.
-
-*
-
-*If you involved with a Linux related project, issue
-press releases
-to appropriate news services on a regular basis.
-*
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-----
-
-!!10. Acknowledgements
-
-
-
-
-
-Grateful acknowledgement is made to all contributors, including:
-
-
-
-
-
-Kendall G. Clark <kclark@cmpu.net>
-Wendell Cochran <atrypa@eskimo.com>
-Bruno H. Collovini <buick@microlink.com.br>
-Allan "Norm" Crain <allanc@idea-inc.com>
-Jon "maddog" Hall <maddog@zk3.digital.com>
-Greg Hankins <gregh@cc.gatech.edu>
-Eric Ladner <eladner@goldinc.com>
-Chie Nakatani <jeanne@mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp>
-Daniel P. Kionka <dkionka@worldtalk.com>
-Nat Makarevitch <nat@nataa.fr.eu.org>
-Martin Michlmayr <tbm@cyrius.com>
-Rafael Caetano dos Santos <rcaetano@dijkstra.ime.usp.br>
-Idan Shoham <idan@m-tech.ab.ca>
-Adam Spiers <adam.spiers@new.ox.ac.uk>
-C. J. Suire <suire@datasync.com>
-Juhapekka Tolvanen <juhtolv@silmu.cc.jyu.fi>
-Lars Wirzenius <liw@iki.fi>
-Sean Woolcock <sbwoolco@eos.ncsu.edu>
-
-
-
-
-
-----
+Describe [HowToAdvocacy] here
.
