[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: Linux Demo Day '99

[Alton Pouncey]

I agree with MadHat and Kendall.  We are losing focus of the intended
audience here.

Just as a refresher, from http://www.linuxdemo.org/about.shtml:

The purpose of the Linux Demo Day project is to coordinate a concurrent
worldwide demonstration of the Linux Operating System to the casual
computer user who may only have heard of Linux but has never seen it and
to those that are not even aware that there is an alternative to running
a Microsoft operating system.

I personally do not think that writing a game in 24 hours will show the
casual computer user the benefits of Linux.  I consider myself a
moderate Linux user and my personal thought on coding has always been
"coding is coding".  Coding a game isn't going to show much about the
operating system itself.  Sure it will attract a crowd - of that I have
no doubt - but it will be the wrong crowd.  It will attract folks who
already know about Linux and what it can do.

I think the purpose of LDD is to show, not necessarily convert, Joe Q.
Public that he can use Linux instead of Windows and get the same, if not
better, functionality from it.  We need to focus on the correct audience
here - the casual user.  I know that having some machines setup with
Applixware, StarOffice or WP may seem boring but think to yourself -
what does the average user do at home with their computer?  If you can
answer that question, you will have the proper focus for LDD.

I agree that handing out flyers is boring and that folks will probably
just toss them.  Hopefully in the months to come, RedHat - with their
new infusion of cash, will be able to put together some kickass
marketing campaigns for Linux and take of MS in the
marketing/advertising arena.

Well, that's my $.02,
Alton Pouncey