[libreplanet-discuss] Word of Mouth

[Algot Runeman]

Referring to the way to explain free software, Danny Piccirillo posted 
this as part of a comment at the FSF Community Team list.
> I wrote this for that reason: http://libreplanet.org/wiki/Free_software

I really like what is there. Thanks, Danny.

It seemed more appropriate to discuss the wiki entry here on this list.

I'm also a little concerned about the user reference, "puts that power 
in the hands of the users."

It is true that software freedom does that. However, the majority of 
computer users are not ever going to examine the source code. This giant 
user majority, if they use a free software program, is going to rely on 
the layer of users who do successfully make the effort to examine the 
code, though. It is the strength of that community connection which 
differentiates users of free software from users of proprietary, closed 
source, code. There can develop a sense that a particular program is 
"my" software because of the strong community.

Still, there will be a majority of users who simply get free software 
(perhaps installed for them by a friend) and just use it. They don't 
join the community in any way. As long as the software works, that's 
great. It won't matter that the software is "free as in freedom." The 
program user will be glad that they didn't have to pay for it more than 
they will be concerned about their freedom from dictatorial, 
proprietary, closed source coding practices.

Unfortunately, it is that group of users who are the most difficult to 
reach. They are using the software, whether or not it cost money. That's 
it. They really don't care about its source. It's a shame. They "ought" 
to care and join the community, but they don't.

That makes it a tougher marketing job. The uninvolved, non-community 
user wants the product to work, be easy to understand, to be free of 
malware and virus. Being free of cost is nice, maybe more significant 
than being free/open. I think successful marketing of software freedom 
is a word-of-mouth process. If a close friend recommends a free software 
install, an average person is more apt to try it. A chain of small 
successes expands the use of free software, one user to the next. How 
often, though, does the second user evangelize to a third? How often 
does the chain continue?

The key is getting a branching tree of promotion. One recommendation 
leading to two recommendations, then to four, etc. I wonder, though. Is 
it a little like both politics and religion? Is software freedom more 
touchy to bring up among friends, just like politics and religion. What 
opener makes talking software freedom "safe" like talking the weather 
and local team sports?

What do you say to a friend?

"Hey, I'm using _______ as my browser. It's great. Would you like to try 
it? No it won't cost you anything. It won't install a virus. It won't 
...." (Negative doesn't sell well.)

Maybe a shared interest like photography is the opener. "Love that 
picture, Bob. What do you do to crop your work and straighten the rushed 
shot you otherwise like? I've found a great program..."

What do you say to someone, that works?

--Algot

--
-------------------------
Algot Runeman
47 Walnut Street, Natick MA 01760
508-655-8399
algot.runeman@verizon.net
Web Site: http://www.runeman.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/algotruneman/
sip:algot.runeman@ekiga.net
Open Source Blog: http://mosssig.wordpress.com
MOSS SIG Mailing List: http://groups.google.com/group/mosssig2