Re: [OS:N:] play hardball - no

[Johnathan Kupferer <johnathan gnuthought com>]

Being annoying can be a great protest.  When purchasing my laptop 
recently, I called 10+ vendors asking if their hardware was linux 
compatible and if they shipped machines without an OS.  Of course the 
answer was 'no' from everyone but I got to let them know that they just 
lost my sale and the sales of several friends of mine that are on the 
lookout for linux compatible machines.  (Don't bother sending links, I 
found someone that would sell me a laptop they would guarantee is 100% 
linux compatible, swt.com, a little pricey and unprofessional, but I'll 
pay more to avoid buying a laptop with Windows installed).  So keep 
bugging those sales people, they will carry the message up the 
management chain (especially when calls are recorded for quality purposes!)

- Johnathan

> ALWAYS ask for Linux stuff when visiting the store, and even buy (spend
> money even) packaged copies of Linux stuff especially the newest edition
> of the software from the store, keeps them restocking and helps out the
> Linux companies, doesn't set me back much $$$ either.  IF I already have
> that software or don't actually want it I "Donate" it to a worthy cause
> (read someone who might actually use it)
>
> 4.)  when browsing in the computer stores ALWAYS ask if this printer or
> that modem works with linux..sure you know the answer but maybe it will
> encourage these shelf jockeys to find out what linux is.
>
> 5.)  Comp USA used to advertise "we install any software purchased
> here" well I bought a copy of Red Hat there and asked them to install
> it....duh,  almost felt sorry for the poor guy behind the counter.  I said
> almost.
>
> 6.)  always ask for stuff that is linux specific, I always check on the
> latest edition of Linux magazine (and Journal), ask if you don't see it on
> the shelf.
>