[GLLUG] Public Relations Idea

[Robert Roosa]

On 7/19/2011 3:28 AM, STeve Andre' wrote:
> On 07/18/11 20:48, Chick Tower wrote:
>> I had an idea, and I'd like to know what everyone else thinks about 
>> it before I try it.  Please feel free to offer whatever advice and 
>> criticisms you think necessary.
>>
>> Suppose I wrote a Craigslist ad saying that if anyone has wondered 
>> about Linux, or thought about installing Linux, or wants to install 
>> Linux, we can give them help, information, and advice for free.  
>> Maybe they're tired of buying new PCs to handle the new versions of 
>> Windows, or tired of the viruses they keep getting, or tired of 
>> spending money every time they want a new program.  Then, if anyone 
>> responds to the ad, I can invite them to the Thursday night meetings.
>
> The initial ad should explain what GLLUG is, and when it meets.
>
> It's best if ads don't have anything hidden, because sadly people tend
> to think of pyramid marketing schemes such as Amway.
>
> The other thing is that this is unlikely to spur any activity at all, at
> first.  Advertising is all about continued impressions on people, and
> at some point they may pick up on it.
>
> Not sure where the best spot is on Craigslist, but consistent ads there
> every nn (4? 7? ?) days would be good.
>
> --STeve Andre'
>
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I agree. I haven't been to any meetings but as a Linux supporter I think 
it is best if any ads don't have any hidden information. That way, 
someone new to Linux can have a pleasant experience learning a new OS 
and the concept of a different OS. In my experience, most computer users 
don't understand the concept of an operating system, they just think 
that Windows is a part of every PC and OSX is a part of every Mac (let 
alone trying to understand that Mac uses x86/Intel 64 now...).

I do think that helping some basic users get into Linux could open some 
doors for people though, particularly those with limited funds for 
computer software. For a basic user, Open Office, Firefox, and one of a 
thousand music players should be more than sufficient and completely free.

Another thing we might offer is a free PC with a flavor of Linux on it 
with some helpful support. That might also be a way that we might get 
some new users interested without having to sacrifice their current 
systems. I would happily donate a couple of Athlon XP motherboards and 
some DDR to the cause. They should be more than adequate to demonstrate 
the capabilities of many flavors of Linux, particularly anything with 
LXDE/XFCE...

Just some thoughts...

Regards,

Roberto