[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux Demo Day 99

[Kevin McMillan]

At 8/17/99 12:24:00 AM, you wrote:

>
>There are indeed *many* ways of "giving something back."
>
>The following .signature is an arguably unkind statement that
>nonetheless has some truth to it:

There are many truths in Life. And many suck.
>
>"If you are not willing to pay a meager $10 to support the development
>of your operating system, you are too cheap to even own a computer."
>-- David J. Owens <owensdj at home.net>

I have paid, and am willing to help, where I can.
So if I dont charge for the Linux, am I hurting Linux?

I have built and given away several "outdated'" PC's over the last few years. I have 3 right now that I am 
looking to give away, to a family with school-aged children without the funds to buy a computer. I believe that 
everyone should have access. Even poor people. This statements sounds as though "They" would limit 
ownership to only those that can afford it. What a elitist attitude.

>The point is that yes, you are free to do as you like.  That includes
>the option of not reciprocating the past examples of generosity.

And it is the Freedom of choice that makes it appealing to me. 
>
>Unfortunately, not reciprocating and "being at least somewhat
>generous" is a moral choice.  And the choice to be ungenerous can lead
>towards greater evils...

To me, the Linux philosophy speakes volumes about co-operative efforts, and the willingness to assist others. 
But far too often, I see the attitudes, that Linux nad computing in general, are meant for some particular group. 
For a while, it was just for the the hackers, programmers, and nerds. That is not now the case, and rightfully 
so.

>--
>"Are [Linux users]  lemmings collectively jumping off of  the cliff of
>reliable, well-engineered commercial software?" -- Matt Welsh

Lemmings? Sounds more like those that use MS, and trust Bill Gate and his motley crew. To blindly go, where 
Bill Gates wants you to go. 

For far too long, Linux has been the "posession" of a select few. I appreciate and applaud the efforts of those 
that have gone before us. But I hate it when I run into attitudes such as some I see expressed on a regular 
basis by some. It is my intention, to take Linux and give it ot the masses, whether or not they can afford it. 



                                                        Kevin "Bilbo" McMillan

Linux, the GNU OS for an X Generation.