[wellylug] (no subject)

[Sam Cannell]

Jamie,  I couldn't agree with your points here more.  

The trend towards being yet another open source zealotry group is what
caused me to unsubscribe from NZLug, and I also see the same thing
gradually happening here.

I recall noting when the topic of formalisation first came up that I do
not wish to be associated with open-source advocacy groups, because I
don't feel that they show the open-source community in a very attractive
or accurate light.

One thing that I'm *dead against* is actively evangelising Linux or to
businesses.  This is something that I'm dead against.  Sure, if somebody
comes to the group asking for advice on migrating from Windows to Linux,
then we should give them all the help they need.  But pushing people who
may not fully understand the implications of moving to a new OS is, in
my opinion, utterly irresponsible.

People need to start realising that Linux isn't the be all and end all
of OSes.  It has both its advantages and disadvantages, just as Windows
does.  For some tasks, Linux is the right tool for the job.  For some
tasks, it's Windows.  For others, it's MacOS, DOS or Solaris.

Above everything else, it comes down to personal preference.  That's
right guys - and make sure you're sitting down here - some people prefer
using Windows.  Just because somebody's OS of choice *is* Windows, it
doesn't mean they're wrong, just that their tastes are different than
yours.

Grow up, guys - Computer software isn't worth getting into a religious
debate over.

-----Original Message-----
From: wellylug-admin at lists.naos.co.nz
[mailto:wellylug-admin at lists.naos.co.nz] On Behalf Of Jamie Dobbs
Sent: Wednesday, 14 April 2004 1:08 p.m.
To: wellylug at lists.naos.co.nz
Subject: [wellylug] (no subject)

[snip]

The attitudes being made apparent at the moment are likely to see me
having nothing more to do with a bunch of people who are no so much
pro-Linux but anti-Microsoft. Both OS's have their place and it should
always be remembered that this is the case. At the moment Linux is not
for your 'Joe Average' user and still has a long way to go before it is
(as can be seen in my previous emails today).

I also do not like the 'preachy' approach that is starting to happen
within the LUG which in my opinion belongs to something like the OSS not
a _USERS_ group.

[snip]