[Opensource] Changing software purchase models

[Roland Gesthuizen]

I have to agree with Pia,

Sometimes when we are asked why we might use an open source tool, it is
sometimes sufficient to say that it is a good point to start teaching
students and certainly enough to say that it is FUN!

There needs to be some dignity in any debate that surrounds any open source
issues. We also need to be cautious about making sweeping claims or kicking
any handy commercial software provider. It is only when I am pressed that I
try to explain some of the cost, freedom and other advantages.

regards Roland

PS: I will admit to being weary of correcting those who state that the
software provided on their teacher laptops is free, pointing out that the
generosity of the Australian tax payers has paid for this software. It is
about as 'free' as the classroom lighting / heating and Internet bandwidth
that they so generously consume and I pay for (sigh) ..

2008/5/8 Pia Waugh <pia at waughpartners.com.au>:

> Hi Cameron,
>
> <quote who="Cameron Bell">
>
> > There is also a great article in this months Australian Photography
> > Magazine about archiving digital prints and files and the critical role
> > FOSS is playing in preserving our heritage. Worth a read.
>
> Cool, will check it out.
>
> > You know I'm onside Pia, I just have very little faith in Ed bureaucracy
> > who want a managed standard system which aren't using standards at all.
> For
> > those in suits in town, its often about the deals that can be done, not
> > what is best or just plain right.
>
> I know you are onside, as are all of the members of our community. But we
> need to make a conscious effort to be positive, even in the face of
> adversity (when it is there) because most people in Government are
> actually
> smart cookies. Often they are bound by some pretty stupid conventions, or
> policies, or whatever, so the best we can do is continue to assist them in
> making it easier for Government to use and hopefully participate in FOSS
> where it meets their needs.
>
> I am keenly aware of several perspectives in our community which assume
> the
> worst, and this doesn't actually help us in our comulative goal :) When
> the
> ATO story came out:
>
> (
> http://www.zdnet.com.au/insight/soa/Australian-Tax-Office-Bill-Gibson-CIO-/0,139023731,339286886,00.htm
> )
>
> many people "in the FOSS community" said some really nasty and demeaning
> things about the CIO of the ATO. I emailed him saying I'd like to chat
> with
> him about FOSS and was told I was the _only_ person from the FOSS
> community
> who had been even vaguely reasonable in response to the article. This
> reflects badly on us all. Turns out he isn't a bad bloke, and will use
> FOSS
> where it meets their needs. As we all know most "concerns" about FOSS can
> be
> overcome through education and outreach.
>
> Cheers,
> Pia
>
> --
> Waugh Partners
>
>  m. +61 400 966 453
>  p. +61 2 9318 0284
>  f. +61 2 9318 2884
>  w. http://waughpartners.com.au/
>
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> Analysis
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-- 
Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead
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