Re: [Fsfe-uk] An ignorant question?

[MJ Ray]

Chris Croughton <address@hidden> wrote:
> The problem is that /at the moment/ there are a lot of people to whom I
> can't recommend Free Software because they won't be able to use it [...]

This made me think of two things.  The first is that you should try not
to prejudge people.  Some will exceed your expectations, while others
will not reach as far as you thought.  Acting as a guardian or gatekeeper
who only gives the good stuff to people who you think could cope is fraught
with problems.

The second was that you have to be careful when talking among friends just
to suggest that they take a look at things that have worked well for you.
Don't oversell it.  Be honest about the pros and cons.  Don't say it will
solve all their problems, bring world peace and do the dishes, else you're
setting yourself up for a hard fall.

I'm not saying that Chris Croughton does either of these, just that the
phrase above made me think of them and I thought it was worth sending.

I also know that I've done both on occasion, but I hope I've learnt my
lesson ;-)

-- 
MJR/slef   My Opinion Only and possibly not of any group I know.
      http://mjr.towers.org.uk/   jabber://address@hidden
Creative copyleft computing services via http://www.ttllp.co.uk/
       Thought: "Changeset algebra is really difficult."