Re: Debian redesign
Dne, 31. 07. 2009 12:51:04 je Werner Baumann napisal(a):
> I'm using Debian for about ten years now and I use it because "Debian
> is different".
> While I appreciate the intention to "position Debian better" I am
> concerned about the general direction, I am missing what I think the
> most important values of Debian.
>
> "a modern look", "a modern operating System" (deb_redesign-talk1.jpg)
> "it's adapting their image with the time we live
> in" (deb_redesign-talk2.jpg) What's "modern" and what is "the time we
> live in" with respect to software? It is
> - taking away control over the user's computer from the user
> - releasing unfinished software for the benefit of market share
> - fighting competing software (and free software) with patents
> - intentional incompatibilities for vendor lock in
> - simply: fighting user freedom for the sake of share holder value.
> And
> it's getting more and more aggressive in this times we live in. How
> is
> Debian related to this? Just one way: "stand up against".
>
> What is an image campaign?
> Image campaigns are used by the advertising industry and everybody
> knows: it's all about lying. It is the very essence of an image
> campaign to *not* talk about the product but to try to associate the
> product with something completely unrelated, something customers
> think
> positive about, something they desire (unconsciously).
> - smoke this brand of cigarette to feel free and have adventures
> - drive this car (200 kW) to save our environment
> - use this product and young women will queue up to kiss your feet
> (or
> whatever). Debian must spread information not construct an image.
>
> Some examples from debian_redesign and why I'm worried:
> deb_redesign-talk7.jpg shows a proposal for the Debian home page. It
> starts with "what is debian?" and ends with "all of it free." (in
> bold). At the moment at http://www.debian.org/intro/about this is
> "It's
> all free?" (mark the question mark) and it starts an *explanation*
> why
> this can be. This is what makes Debian different. You don't promise
> free
> beer, you explain what free software is all about.
>
> While it may seem desirable to make Debian web pages look more
> "light" and fresh: Debian web pages will stay mostly text. You need
> text to explain. Debian is not "Everything is easy. Just click and
> follow the instructions. No need to understand." Debian is "You want
> to
> know how it works? Here is the (lengthy) explanation."
>
> debian_illustration1.jpg to debian_illustration6.jpg show young
> people
> using debian. While from an European point of view its difficult to
> find something "sexually offending", the message is: "People using
> Debian are young and pretty and sexy". Sorry, during the ten years of
> using Debian my beard became grey and I will reach the age of 60
> soon.
> Debian didn't help. Should I use Ubuntu instead, or Windows? (And I
> will not talk about all that young women surrounding me I'm missing.)
>
> Debian is not young and sexy. Debian is an operating system (and
> more).
> It is rock solid. It is developed by a community dedicated to free
> software. Please stay Debian (including your image).
>
> Werner Baumann
>
>
> --
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-project-REQUEST@lists.debian.org
> with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact
> listmaster@lists.debian.org
>
>
>
As a Debian user I can only say: couldn't agree more. Your words sum it
up magnificiently: <<How is Debian related to this? Just one way:
"stand up against".>> In my view, Debian is far less about image and
far more about substance than any competing "product" (or any "product"
in general, for that matter). Let those who have no substance to show
worry about image.
There's hardly a better way to keep gathering prominence than just
by "staying
Debian". Or a harder one: keeping up such high standards of
software quality and software freedom is not an easy task.
--
Certifiable Loonix User 481801
Reply to: