Re: [Fsuk-manchester] "Selling" Free software to the masses

[Tony Arnold]

Lucy,

Lucy wrote:
> 2009/12/28 Tony Arnold <address@hidden>:
>>
>> Lucy wrote:
>>> 2009/12/28 Simon Ward <address@hidden>:
>>>> On Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 12:43:24AM +0000, Luke Taylor wrote:
>>>>> I am putting together some literature to give out to the students at
>>>>> Manchester University promoting free software (and free culture). I
>>>>> have looked around and haven't found any good resources for "selling"
>>>>> free software to non-geeks. Does anybody have any good ideas or points
>>>>> to make to enthuse somebody who may not even know what source code is?
>>>>> The finer points in the GPL versus BSD debate may need to be dropped
>>>>> for example and probably the whole four freedoms thing.
>>>> The four freedoms are vital, they define what free software is.  You
>>>> don’t have to explain it as “the four freedoms” and recite them word for
>>>> word, but you will need to mention them all or the whole point of free
>>>> software is lost.
>>> How about writing a simplified, non-technical version of the four
>>> freedoms.. something like:
>>>
>>> With Free software:
>>> 1. You are free to use the software however and where ever you like.
>>> 2.  You are able to share it with your friends, and everyone else.
>>> 3. You are allowed (even encouraged) to understand how it works.
>>> 4. You can make changes to the software and share those changes with others.
>> I would concentrate on the first two if you are aiming this at people
>> who do not have a clue how software is made. The last two have little or
>> no meaning to non geek users, important thought they are!
> 
> Depends how long the piece is to be. I feel that it's something
> significant that people can understand. It's also important when
> aiming at the education sector or businesses.
> 
> Incidentally, did you realise that you sent this to me rather than the
> whole list? Please feel free to forward on my reply if you want.

Oops! No, I assumed reply would send it to the list! Should have looked.

Regards,
Tony.
-- 
Tony Arnold,                        Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 6093
Head of IT Security,                Fax: +44 (0) 870 136 1004
University of Manchester,           Mob: +44 (0) 773 330 0039
Manchester M13 9PL.                 Email: address@hidden