BW )(: Call for Constructive Flaming

[Matthew Edmondson]

> > You might be bale to but the other 90% of the population can't hence  
> > the thrust of the original analysis
> 
> I often rail against the myth of a need for a computer priesthood.
> Also, I'm a statistician: what's the basis of that 90% claim?
> 
> I've no special computer-fixing ability.  I've surprisingly little
> formal education about computer hardware (pretty much none beyond
> basic electrical safety IIRC).  I think more of my success with it
> comes from being the son of a mechanic/builder/storesman/barman...
> most people can learn and it's usually hard to break things badly, so
> look up the basics (now easier than ever on the internet - I used to
> make trips to the library much more often) and start experimenting!
> 

Right so it boils down to the bothered vs. cant be bothered

what gets me is that we (who can be bothered) are expected to support
the IT needs of those who cant be bothered.

This is what Michelle's blog is about.  She tried, but found (amongst
other things) that she cant be bothered anymore. This si the same with
many NGO's they don't have the time to be bothered (as users or admins).

its also a key factor as to why Microsoft did so well.   They recognised
this human trait and commercialised it.

thanks for the interesting discussion.

If there is anymore constructive to be had then I would welcome it.

Certainly Michelle blogged again after I  fed back to her.

http://www.zenofnptech.org/2008/06/what-software-freedom-means-to-me.html

So she knows the score and is being realistic.

In summary, to my mind, despite all the many wide ranging benefits, most
folk cannot be bothered with it UNLESS they are very ethical and/or
hackers/fiddlers.

Now how do i commercialise this understanding ;)


-- 
Matthew Edmondson               matthew at M6-IT.org
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