Re: [seul-edu] Draft Review

[Leon Brooks <leon@brooks.fdns.net>]

On Friday 03 May 2002 09:02, Matt Drew wrote:
> The above is completely and totally true -- however, the statement being
> made is (from the current draft):

> "Like viruses and security issues, that issue is exclusive to Microsoft
> and its products."

I was sure I had `almost' in there... since there are other idiots out there 
who try to own their users' hardware for life.

>> Good point. Your text still needs more work, and I think we need explicit
>> positive spin on viruses and security, but even more so on the open,
>> honest approach and the point that, for learning, Open Source software is
>> better than Lego(tm).

> Blasphemy!!! :)  I love Lego, and I hate what they're doing to it now,
> with all the custom one-use parts.  Takes the fun out of it.

True. Today, however, that did get the point across.

>> Perhaps that could read like this:

>>     On top of this, Open Source software is immune to almost all existing
>>     viruses, has an excellent security record, is extremely reliable, and
>>     in an educational setting often provides a deeper involvement in
>>     computers than programs deliberately designed for the classroom.

> That is pretty darn good.

Flattery will get you everywhere. (-:

> Honestly, I'd like us to be listed as supporting this press release, but
> I'd like the release to come from schoolforge as was discussed.  We're
> involved in this, but it isn't our game -- we're just a player (and
> schoolforge member, as soon as I get off my butt and register).

> However, I don't think I can put our name on it without approval.  I'll
> check into it tomorrow.  and get back to you as soon as possible.

I think after the release is out and the detail page it links to is up 
(actually, I think two pages - one for a more or less verbatim copy of the 
release, and one which goes into exhaustive detail - would be the best 
format), we should start accumulating a list of individual and corporate 
`seconders' for it. I'm not sure how to spin that, maybe as a petition to 
Microsoft asking them for truth-in-advertising, maybe as an area-grouped 
we-can-help-you-do-this database.

> I do really like the release in its current form -- the tone is much
> more positive and I think its a winner.

Agree. Thanks almost entirely to you. (-:

Cheers; Leon