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> and there is an opportunity to create real public enthusiasm [about FOSS software] Sorry, there really isn't. And if there ever was, a mobile phone isn't goi

> and there is an opportunity to create real public enthusiasm [about FOSS software] Sorry, there really isn't. And if there ever was, a mobile phone isn't going to do it. Most folks don't know their phone is running Android, they just bought whatever interesting-looking smartphone was in their price range. They barely care about the software their phone is running, let alone the tenants and ideals of a bunch of software hackers regarding their craft.

mycroftiv 16y ago
I completely agree with you about the actual state of the world, but I don't think its a theoretical impossibility to communicate in way that will raise awareness. As an example, consider the amount of mindshare the ideals of the organic foods movement have attained in the mainstream. Producers of organic food have done a good job marketing themselves and trying to put out information they believe supports their values. The concepts of user control and freedom that motivate FOSS have an emotional appeal to many. Many people who aren't professional mechanics and engineers still enjoy taking things apart and fixing them, and can understand access to software source code in a similar way.
bitwize 16y ago
Virgin Mobile is running bus ads that say "You on Android for $25/month". Obviously there is some marketing appeal in being able to offer a phone that runs Android, which means people are aware of the name (even if they may be confusing it with the Motorola Droid specifically).
- borism 16y ago
  absolutely - most people might not be aware what devices run Android, but they surely heard the name.
jokermatt999 16y ago
In my anecdotal experience, even my non-technical friends with Android phones know they have Android. I think you're right about them not caring about FLOSS ideals, but you may be underestimating Android's brand awareness.

mycroftiv 16y ago

I completely agree with you about the actual state of the world, but I don't think its a theoretical impossibility to communicate in way that will raise awareness. As an example, consider the amount of mindshare the ideals of the organic foods movement have attained in the mainstream. Producers of organic food have done a good job marketing themselves and trying to put out information they believe supports their values. The concepts of user control and freedom that motivate FOSS have an emotional appeal to many. Many people who aren't professional mechanics and engineers still enjoy taking things apart and fixing them, and can understand access to software source code in a similar way.

bitwize 16y ago

Virgin Mobile is running bus ads that say "You on Android for $25/month". Obviously there is some marketing appeal in being able to offer a phone that runs Android, which means people are aware of the name (even if they may be confusing it with the Motorola Droid specifically).

borism 16y ago
absolutely - most people might not be aware what devices run Android, but they surely heard the name.

jokermatt999 16y ago

In my anecdotal experience, even my non-technical friends with Android phones know they have Android. I think you're right about them not caring about FLOSS ideals, but you may be underestimating Android's brand awareness.