Linux viruses (was Re: Organizing for ITEC)

[Jared]

> I think the virus thing should be dropped and we only have a positive
> message.  Too much mud slinging this time of year. :-)

I agree. It takes more patience to advocate Linux in a positive
light only, but in the end:

1. Linux is attractive to people who are patient.

2. Linux is unattractive to people who are impatient. (Are you
    sure you want to cater to the whole Windows userbase? Why
    not simply harvest the more patient ones?)

3. Linux will be associated with a continually positive message,
    not fear, uncertainty, and doubt like others. (I.e. we recognize
    FUD when we see it, but we do not propogate it.)

4. People who like to contend will have nothing to contend
    against but themselves, and Linux will quietly watch its
    adversaries beat each other up as they all learn how
    to be . . . quiet and patient, like Linux.

Let the binary "We're better than you" message remain in the
hands of those who like to contend.

Linux is not "better"; that's a competitive marketing term, and
Linux is built by and for engineers, not marketers.

Engineers are patient, know quality when they see it, and need
no marketing to convince them.

In short, let the "Linux viruses" thread be a quiet gift given
to people who actually adopt Linux. Keep it in the unwritten
portion of the Jedi manual, so we stay away from the dark side. :-)

-Jared