[Linux-aus] Should Linux Australia change its name

[David Newall]

On 25/04/12 21:25, Chris Neugebauer wrote:
> On Wed, Apr 25, 2012 at 21:09, Paul Gear<paul at libertysys.com.au>  wrote:
>> >  Just curious: how has the name damaged LA's ability to assist the python
>> >  community?
> * The first is explaining the role of Linux Australia to potential
> sponsors with respect to PyCon.  This includes training away the
> preconception that their money is being used to support Linux and not
> Python.
> * The second is explaining the nature and focus of the conference to
> delegates.  When they see "PyCon Australia, a Linux Australia
> conference" (something we are required to do legally), an assumption
> is made that it's a "Python on Linux" conference.  I've had to work to
> convince some people to come by quashing this (not entirely
> unreasonable) preconception.

Would it be fair to say that our name hasn't damaged our ability to 
assist the Python community, but merely caused an additional task for 
the organisers?

One other point: how is Python on Linux different to Python on other 
platforms?  Isn't it more similar than different, to the point that the 
underlying platform is almost irrelevant?  Doesn't angst at attending a 
Python conference sponsored by us indicate a hostility to Linux that 
exceeds devotion to the language?  Religious mania is core to our 
principles and history, and frankly, won't be mislead by a change of 
name.  If they hate Linux they'll hate it just as much under a different 
name.