The other day I visited a local computer retailer and was shocked and appalled at some of the things the sales staff was telling prospective customers. So much was inaccurate and incorrect. The sales staff was probably just parroting what the sales trainers and sales managers taught them but the fact is the information was totally wrong. There are alternatives to Microsoft (and other proprietary) products. Indeed, for one example, OpenOffice.org provides full functionality and compatibility with Microsoft Office Standard 2007. The big difference? Microsoft Office Standard 2007 is available at Amazon.com for $351.99. OpenOffice.org is available free; free online to download, free to burn on CD at the local library, free by contacting me, free to pass around.
So I stood in front of the store for a while to hand out Ubuntu Linux and TheOpenCD for free. No takers. Consumers feel that if it is any good then why is it free?
Certainly one reason is nobody advertises free software. ie, "my hairdresser's first cousin in Miami knows all about computers and never heard of FLOSS or free software".
I think I may start advertising TheOpenCD with full functionality and compatibility of Microsoft Office Standard 2007 for only $176. Same features, half the Amazon.com price.
Fifty per cent savings. Limited time only. School discounts available.
Tell your friends.
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1 comment:
That's totally true Bill. My dad always says "Nothing is free, but if it is, fill your pockets!"
People still buy name-brand at the grocery store too! For some reason people feel better about paying more.
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