Dear Michael
OK, so regular WTS readers know that I’m Michael Robertson’s biggest fan. Here is an email I sent him (via the advertising department) after watching his latest Michael’s Minutes
Hi Michael,
I just got through reading your last MM, I watched the TV spot did the survey but still thought I should drop you a note with a bit more feedback.
I realize that the Ad is just a conceptual piece, but I wanted to mention that I still think that it is too complicated for the market that you are looking to break into. A confession: I still use Windows! Not really because I like it, but because I have 200gigs of data on an NTFS partitions. However, I am proud to say that Windows 2000 is the last bit of Microsoft software that I have on my machine, I have Firefox, Open Office, Gaim, and for any web design I use Nvu (kudos for that one).
The reason I mention this, is because for the last 5 years I have as much as possible tried to convert people to using Open Source products on Windows. Honestly, until recently it has not been easy. I would say that 90% of people I have introduced to Firefox have left it on their machines, most other programs have been far less successful. Until the pre-release of OO2 not even my wife would use it. Gaim sucks (where are the audibles?) and don’t even get me started on suggesting the GIMP to people who want me to install Photoshop on their machines.
My point is that people want something that JUST WORKS, and until a LINUX product comes out that does that people will stick with Windows. My suggestion, is that instead of trying to explain everything that Linspire does do an AOL style ad which totally ignores the technical aspects but focuses on NORMAL people explaining how Linspire JUST WORKS.
I’m cross posting this to my blog (I do that with rants), so unless you specifically say so, any response will probably get posted there as well (you’re welcome to comment on my blog as well 
Best Regards,
Aaron
Response below: Short answer, nobody read it!
April 8th, 2005 at 8:14 am
Try out Gimp 2.0 . It has improved a lot (but still not close to Photoshop).
April 8th, 2005 at 8:28 am
I have used Gimp for the last 2.5 years (at least) I have been using Mozilla based browsers since M13 (or was it M12). Firefox from .60, Inkscape rawks.
The thing is, that I (like many other FLOSS users) use Free Software for philisophical purposes, I understand that it is simpler to learn how to use something that may not be as streamlined as the commercial alternatives… I have an MS Office CD laying around — I just don’t use it (well, I fire up Access every now and then).
The difference is that I will adapt to software that I want to use, most people want the software to adapt to how they are used to using it.
Michael, if you read this, Gnucash needs some love (hint, hint). Like maybe an upgrade to GTK2 and port to Windows.
April 11th, 2005 at 8:28 am
Based on the response, it doesn’t look like anyone read my rant
—-
NOTE: Linspire, Inc. does not provide support for third party software (e.g. - Win4Lin, Crossover Office, WINE, WineX, etc.).
In order to run Microsoft® Windows software, in general, you can utilize one of the following applications:
Win4Lin
Win4Lin is a commercial software that allows you to install Microsoft® Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, or Microsoft Windows ME (not Windows 2000 or XP) inside the Linspire/LindowsOS environment. This provides compatibility with MS Windows programs from within Linspire/LindowsOS for those who have a MS Windows program they feel they just can’t do without. Win4Lin allows the version of Microsoft Windows you install to run within Linspire once it’s installed.
Click here to learn how to install Win4Lin.
WINE
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The following links may be related to your question:
* For information on supported file types and extensions in Linspire/LindowsOS , click here.
* For more information about running Office products for Windows in Linspire/LindowsOS , click here.
* For more information about running Windows games in Linspire/LindowsOS , click here.
* For more information on migrating from Microsoft® Windows to Linspire/LindowsOS , click here.
Based upon your question, here are some other links that may be of interest to you . . .
How can I install Microsoft® Office 2000 onto my Linspire/LindowsOS system?
Can I install Linspire/LindowsOS on a new computer without Microsoft® Windows?
Is it possible to install Linspire/LindowsOS and MS Windows on the same machine?
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April 12th, 2005 at 7:08 pm
Looks like you got dicky whacked by an auto response. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy Michael’s Ms (However since I converted to MAC I have not received a single MM), however to a degree IMO he engages in a decent amount of knob polishing without getting to the root of the problem, Opensource products simply don’t inspire normal people to switch from windows (M$) applications, YET!!!
April 15th, 2005 at 3:40 pm
Here’s another answer from Linspire… it really sucks that nobody even takes the time to read the stuff…
We have not heard from you concerning your request for support in the past 80 hours since we sent you a response. Consequently, we have changed the status of your question to SOLVED.
April 15th, 2005 at 8:10 pm
It’s just the standard ‘weeding’ process of eliminating the majority of what is sent to them…
- Reply to everything with a form letter, and if they write back then have someone ‘actually’ check it. -
April 18th, 2005 at 7:28 pm
OK, now I got a more decent response:
Aaron,
Thank you for contacting the Linspire Support Team. We thank you for your continued support and your feedback regarding the Linux TV Commercial. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this.
Best Regards,
The Linspire Team
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