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List:       suse-linux-uk-schools
Subject:    Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] NHS Meeting, Blair and Gates
From:       Ian <ian.lynch2 () ntlworld ! com>
Date:       2001-12-03 9:43:32
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On Monday 03 December 2001 09:21, Robert J Gautier wrote:
> On Mon, 3 Dec 2001 RLH@hhc.ac.uk wrote:
> > I agree with the sentiments expressed below and will also
> > unsubscribe if the list does not return to its prime puropse.
>
> The subject matter seems entirely appropriate to me.  I for one
> would much rather see discussions about events that might make
> a real difference to use of Open Source Software than about the
> best choice of Ethernet card.
>
> Call me a late starter if you like, but I'm planning to spend
> the morning composing a letter to my MP to draw his attention
> to this topic.

Interestingly, as I have travelled around the country and talked to lay IT 
users about the issue they are mostly horrified. They don't understand how 
licensing works and have never thought about it. I would have thought that 
the purpose of this list was to discuss issues relevant to Open Source 
software - at least that was why I joined. Freedom of speesch is about 
improving the level of understanding of issues through debate. Some of the 
discussions about obscure technical things are of no interest to me but it 
doesn't induce me to want to unsubscribe. If Open Source is to take off at 
the desktop, it will not be purely on technical merit - MS have shown that 
with DOS. Its all about confidence, politics and marketing. So is the list 
only about technical issues or about topical discussion on things related to 
Open Source? If the former it will become a nurds forum, if the latter it 
should have far wider appeal.

-- 
IanL


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