Re: [OS:N:] Quick Survey

[jkinz rcn com]

On Sun, Sep 29, 2002 at 12:16:03AM +0900, Charles Muller wrote:
> Gary wrote:
> 
> > I would be interested in hearing more about what a company should and
> > should not do if they are working with Open Source.
> 
> Well by this, and the other response I've seen, it is obvious that I am
> alone in thinking this, so I'll just chalk it up to having misunderstood the
> nature of the list. When joining, obviously I was aware that it was
> sponsored by Red Hat, but I apparently misconstrued the title of the list to
> understand that the list would be dedicated to talking about Open Source
> issues in an unbiased way. I never imagined that I would be asked to fill
> out marketing surveys and receive regular plugs for Red Hat software. If I
> had signed up for any of the other lists, which indicate that they are
> specifically for the purpose of selling or supporting of Red Hat, I would
> have expected it, but not here.

Hi Charles, I'm very disappointed in your reaction.  I have been on this
list since its inception and this is the first time anyone from Redhat
has asked anyone to take a survey.  From your reaction one would think
it was happening every other day or week and that it was a requirement to
use the list, which it isn't.

Anyone can post an announcement about a survey to the list including
of course the folks who are actually providing the money, network access 
and the machines that actually make this list happen.  

You've only been on the list since Aug 15 2002.  Perhaps your recent joining 
combined with the timing of the survey announcement has impacted your
perception of the list.  I hope you will reconsider.  

> 
> The impression I get from this, is that Red Hat is trying to use the good
> name of Open Source to sell itself. I'm not buying, because the whole thing reminds of the kinds of disingenuous tactics that I would
> expec from another OS maker, the one that controls 95% of the desktop market.
(hmm - unwrapped lines - just like sol dynco..... )

I didn't see Redhat trying to sell anything here.  This list is about Open
Source and RedHat is (so far) the most successful Open Source company
in the world.  If Open Source is to be successful on a global scope
it will be because of the effort of folks like the ones at RedHat and other
organizations, both commercial and non-commercial.  Could you please
explain to me exactly what disingenuous tactics you see being used here?

This is a serious request because if I'm being manipulated I would really
resent it and I want to be aware of it if it is really happening.

> 
> No need to have a debate on my account, because I'm out of here.

I have always assumed that part of being a serious scholar required
keeping an open mind and giving a fair minded evaluation to new things
and situations.  I hope you can take another look at this one.

-- 
Jeff Kinz, Director, Emergent Research,  Hudson, MA.  "jkinz ultranet com" 
"jkinz rcn com" copyright 2002.  Use is restricted. Any use is an 
acceptance of the offer at http://users.rcn.com/jkinz/policy.html.