[Opensource] Changing software purchase models

[Cameron Bell]

I do tend to take a different approach to the issue in other venues and 
forums. ;)

Roland Gesthuizen wrote:
> 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 
> <mailto: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/
>
>     Open Source: Strategic Consulting, Industry Development, Research
>     & 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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> Open Source Mailing List kindly supported by
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> Information Technology Teachers Association Inc

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