[Novalug] Re: [Ma-linux] Linux and Congress and Free Beer

[Rich Goodwin]

On Sat, 2007-01-20 at 18:04 -0500, Gene Gaines wrote:
> On Saturday, January 20, 2007, 3:17:48 PM, Nick wrote:
> 
> > Alan McConnell wrote:
> >> Dear Colleagues,
> >>
> >> Przemek, Megan, and Pete have this year succeeded where I failed
> >> for three years: in getting a spot on the Congressional Internet
> >> Caucus Tech Fair.  I congratulate all three most heartily! 
> 
> > That is awesome! Congratulations on the hard work, it has payed off! I
> > wish you all luck and I hope to see pictures/hear commnets after the
> > event! Feel free to bother anyone from CT, I do my best to keep them
> > interested!
> 
> > -Nick
> 
> Alan and all,
> 
> I'm gonna stick my head in where (mebbe) it is not wanted.
> 
> I'm really please that you have lined up a table at the
> Congressional Internet Caucus Tech Fair.  Great!
> 
> BUT (now shoot me)
> 
> I would not talk about Linux, or probably even mention it.
> 
> These are POLICY MAKERS, not techies.
> 
> You should focus on the really important applications, the
> really important advances, how open source is beginning to
> make strides in some other countries, etc.
> 
> Feature Asterisk, not Linux.  (Well, maybe Ubuntu and why it
> is important.)
> 
> Heck, hell, damnfire, I would get an Asterisk salesman there
> and demonstrate a couple of products using Open Source.
> 
> A cell phone or two.
> 
> Meke your table look commercially significant, not geeky.
> 
> Yeah, then you will be asked about Linux, and your response
> should be to talk about how Linux / open source is penetrating
> in important, cannot-fail applications.
> 
> THAT IS HOW YOU SELL LINUX !!!
> 
> Now.  I love Linux, in the long past have pushed it for some
> critical applications, but have never been to one of your
> meetings.  So.  You don't need to listen to me.  Flame away,
> if you wish.  My email and phone listed below.  If you want
> help is putting together a story that will communicate to the
> audience at the Congressional Internet Causus, let me know.
> I'll be glad to help, no charge.  (I'm the guy that managed
> the anti-Microsoft email list for Ralph Nader's group for a
> few years.)
> 
> Gene Gaines

Our "pitch" is going to be "Open Source, Open Standards, Opens Options."
Linux will clearly be mentioned and demonstrated.  But we will be
emphasizing openness, interoperability and cost (clearly).  This is
equivalent to the 1 min elevator speach about our plans but we will be
representing the community in solid light.  My goal is to be extremely
positive and take the higher of the roads (where available).

Hope this answers some concerns (and ... yeah - I know likely raises
others).

Rich
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