[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux Demo Day 99

[S Jackson]

Someone suggested earlier that a demo at the NTPCUG could show how to
combine Windows and Linux.  Although the 24-hour game is a great idea
(especially the pub aspect when you involve GBWR), perhaps a detailed 
demonstration of how Linux can do everything Windows can do would 
open more peoples eyes?  I think most people believe that Linux is 
an OS for programmers and computer specialists, but perhaps we could
show people that Linux can be used by anyone on a daily basis (even
my 58 year old mom uses Linux on her desktop).  Just showing Windows 
users what we use and do everyday, might be boring to us, but could be
very interesting and informative to someone who is uninformed about
Linux.  All types of software could be demo'd.  Applixware, Star Office,
Quake III, and others??


Jackson
jaxsn at pdga.com

MadHat wrote:
> 
> Steve Baker wrote:
> >
> > MadHat wrote:
> >
> > > One question:  Why?  or What is it you want to show John Q Publik?
> >
> > I think it will attract interest in Linux just because people are
> > going to be curious about something as unusual as this.
> >
> 
> OK, let me explain a little more specifically what I meant as to why,
> and go over your comments.
> 
> > Scenario 1:  You walk into the store, looking for Blarf-for-Windoze
> >    v.1.2.3 and some person wanders up and tries to give you a flier,
> >    you can't get out of his way and you are polite so you take it.
> 
> I don't care about me, what about the person that knows almost nothing
> about computers and is looking for help, they can latch on, bu I agree,
> most people will ignore this.
> 
> >
> > Scenario 2:  You walk into the store, looking for Blarf-for-Windoze
> >    v.1.2.3 and there is a bunch of exhausted-looking hackers *still*
> >    having fun using Linux - there are piles of empty pizza boxes
> >    and empty coffee cups everywhere...and a big sign saying
> >    "record-setting attempt to write a computer game in 24hrs:
> >    3 hours to go!". There is a big projection TV showing the game
> >    running - someone invites you to play it, you get to
> >    chatting with one of the 'minders' - he gives you a flier.
> >    You forget all about Blarf-for-Windoze and buy a cuddly
> >    penguin instead.
> 
> first problem:  Average person, not your 'hacker' types, would first see
> a buch of people sitting around a table and ask why.  "Because we can"
> Why not another OS?  "because we can"  How does this help me?  "because
> we can".
> 
> Next problem: The location being where ever, if it isn't at like fry's
> or Microcenter or a specialized store, a lot of the people will not be
> there to look at computers and won;t know what is going on and won't
> care, unless it is well advertised.
> 
> But still this isn't my point.
> 
> >
> > Which flier goes into the next trash can without being read?
> >
> > Which person thinks that being a part of the Linux
> > community could really be a lot of fun?
> >
> > Which person comes back on the way out and asks how to get
> > Linux?
> 
> Why would someone see a programmer hacking out code want to buy the OS?
> This is more the point.  If you want to play to the average (THIS IS THE
> KEY WORD) it has to attract them as a viable option for an OS.  Why
> would a game coded in 24hrs make them want to use Linux.  You need to
> show them that it is stable, easy to use, inexpencive, expandiable.
> Most people who are "hackers" already kow about Linux and would be
> interested in this 24hr deal, but I don't think the draw would be that
> big for the average person.
> 
> >
> > Which person joins NTLUG?
> >
> > Scenario #1 is *BORING* - you'd have to wear a *TIE* to hand
> >             out fliers like that. Linux is NOT BORING.
> >
> > Scenario #2 speaks to the hacker culture - to the kinds
> 
> This is also a problem, I think that Linnux has grown beyond your hacker
> culture.  Di\on't promote steriotypes.  I think it would be better to
> show how the average person can use it than to make people think that it
> is an OS for "hackers".
> 
> >             of people who made Linux. To people who fly to
> >             Germany to take their laptops to a picnic and
> >             drink beer. To people who try to send back their
> >             Win98 CD's for a $5 refund. To people who celebrate
> >             the launch of Windoze 98 by cutting up the CD's
> >             using them as the fins of rockets and LAUNCHING
> >             them. To people with a stoopid penguin as a mascot
> >             instead of some kind of four-coloured flag.
> >
> > In five years time, succeed or fail, we'll still remember
> > what fun this was.  Standing in a store handing out fliers
> > is BORING.
> 
> It isn't about handing out flyers...
> 
> >
> > > What is the purpose for having a 24 hour coding session?
> >
> > Purpose?   I didn't know I needed one of those?  Let's see:
> > Computers - check. Hackers - check.  Pizza - check. Purpose -
> > erm, nope - don't see one of those anywhere.
> 
> actually your purpose was already stated in that you think it will draw
> good attention to Linux.
> 
> >
> > It's FUN.  It's COOL.   You only live once and you need to
> > do stuff like this to stay sane!
> >
> > Fellow hackers will *understand*.
> 
> Stop watching so many movies and join the real world.  Like I said, I
> think it is a cool idea, but I also think you are missing the point of a
> Linux Demo Day, or maybe I am just expecting too much.
> 
> >
> > > What will this prove?
> >
> > It proves we are alive!  Can you imagine a bunch of
> > Windoze users even contemplating something like this?
> 
> Yep.
> 
> >
> > > Not that it isn't a cool idea.
> >
> > That's the *entire* point.  The cool idea stands by itself.
> > The Linux Demo Day event is just the excuse for doing it.
> 
> But I don't think it is the right image for Linux.  You don't want
> people to think you have to be a "hacker" to use it.  That is the point,
> or at least that is what I understood the Linux Demo Day is supposed to
> be about, show it off to those who wouldn't normally be able to see it.
> 
> If they are together, make sure not to focus all the attention to the
> hackers and leave the real world out.
> 
> --
> MadHat
> 
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