[clue-tech] Mephis linux

[David L. Willson]

This has gotten pretty non-techy for the CLUE-tech list, but I want to offer three last thoughts on this:

I'm CC'ing my son, because these three thoughts apply to so many things, not just Free software.

1. Build it and they will come.

I have been doing this for almost ten years with regard to Linux.  Leading by example.  Cutting my own stuph to the middle ground between Linux/FLOSS and Microsoft, knowing two ways, one Microsoft, one Free, to do everything, then staying balanced at that "50% FAT free" point so that I maintain currency and relevancy with Microsoft technology, but I can be a bridge to Linux for those so inclined, and there are a surprising number of Microsoft shops that are so inclined when they see me using Linux on my laptop, Zimbra for my email, VMware Server over OpenFiler for virtualization and DR, LAMP for web-serving, AND it's all free and Free and non-suck.

I build it first, and ~then~ I do show and tell.  Show and tell, when it's all ~tell~ and no ~show~, sucks.  Build it.  Whatever turns your little geek-crank, build one.  Spend your own money on gear to support your good habit.

2. Send thank you.

Send postcards and PayPals to the authors of the software you like.  Five bucks is nothing, in terms of money, but as a way of saying "Thank you", it's perfect.  It's incredible, how powerfully motivating a sign of real gratitude and appreciation can be.

3. Make positive criticisms.

Make suggestions for positive change.  STOP saying that things suck without suggesting how they might NOT suck.  It's depressing when you do that.
Offer solutions.  Consider the problems but STOP dwelling on them.
Praise good behavior.  Ignore crappy behavior, unless there's danger, and then point the way to safety.  Don't rant.  OK, I'm still working on that one myself.

--David