Waugh erupts over AU Ubuntu proposal

A local representative of the principal backer of the popular Ubuntu Linux operating system has reacted negatively to a proposal to set up an independent Australian organisation to promote the software.

A group interested in promoting the increasingly popular Ubuntu down under has published a public letter pushing the need for a local non-profit organisation.

It would only be once this structure was in place, the group argued this week on a public e-mail mailing list, that the goal of promoting Ubuntu to the wider Australian community could be met.

However Jeff Waugh quickly disagreed. The developer is a long-time member of the international open source community and currently works in a business and development capacity for Ubuntu backer Canonical.

"I admire your energy and ambition, but I can't quite see where this fits in," he wrote to the mailing list.

"Creating any kind of organisation is not to be taken lightly, and before I would even imagine doing such a thing in a group like this, I would want to be absolutely sure of two things: purpose and vision."

"We don't have either of those just yet: We're a rag-tag bunch of Ubuntu lovers on a mailing list," he continued, "and that's an awesome place to be. All rock'n'roll, no boring stuff."

Waugh pointed out existing efforts such as distributing Ubuntu through events like the recent LinuxWorld Expo in Sydney were "simple, but effective".

"If we consider doing bigger things, Linux Australia and local Linux user groups can provide resources, contacts, and even things like insurance if required," he said.

At least one other member of the community received the proposal more positively, however. "Sounds exciting! I agree with all the points listed here in this letter," they wrote.

The issue continues to be debated online, with views from both sides coming from the community.

Talkback 2 comments

    Somewhat of an overstatement. Yuki Cuss -- 06/05/06 (in reply to #120133962)

    Jeff Waugh didn't `erupt' over this proposal; he, like everyone else, just voiced his opinion over it, in a level-headed manner.

    Jeff's loud but definitely not dumb Leon Brooks -- 06/05/06

    I'm sure that many of those whose lines Jeff literally crosses wish that the situation be reversed. Jeff and I definitely don't see 100% eye to eye on all things, but we are both reasonable and each can see enough detail of the others' views to certainly know that if you do something which Jeff (often with painful correctness) assesses as a bit dippy will be hearing some high-definition words on the subject Real Soon Now. Those who are ready to admit that they don't know everything (an IMPORTANT and regular decision) will be ready to learn and benefit (definitely and reliably, albeit not always as directly as they hope) from Jeff's critical commentary -- including, every so often and thankfully, my placid self. The following is of course my own biassed opinion, but if you doubt Jeff's integrity, go ahead and ask Pia or another real friend of his about it. Pia may pay lots of attention to politeness and social rules, but she is always VERY MUCH alien to the habit of lying or lightweighting real information, even if in favour of those she dearly loves (or in my remote case, politely puts up with about annually :-)

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