[Linux-aus] Firefox vs IceWeasel

[David Lloyd]

Karl,

> They don't trust FOSS (the F is Free, incase you forgot) if they cant 
> handle a name change to ensure the freedom to distribute the product (or 
> a clone). Said ordinary user is at most into OSS. And TBH, i don't think 
> said "ordinary user" exists.

People can be placed into meaningful groups using valid statistical 
means and statements about those groups may be made. Arguing that this 
is invalid and that "ordinary users" don't exist is rather much a red 
herring.

> How does it jeopardise it (How is it a debarcle?)? its a browser for 
> crying out loud. 

Brand names are important. They're important because large sections of 
people recognise a brand name and make assumptions about that brand. For 
example, when I see a new type of "Coke", one of my expectations is that 
it tastes more like "Coca Cola" or a "Cola" drink than unleaded petrol.

> in my 'Internet' menu its called "Firefox Web Browser". 
> "Iceweasle Web Browser" wont cause my head to implode, and i very much 
> doubt anyone else's.

Clearly you don't interface with people at a business level enough. I'm 
about to take a pot shot at you: you're also not one of these "ordinary 
users" - you happen to be a user who understands a not insignificant 
amount about open source and free software.

The changing of a name, or the shifting of a brand, does change the 
standing of a product in many people's minds. To take my previous 
example, that's why Coca Cola doesn't change its name "Coke" every year 
- they have a reputation about their brand and they won't change it lightly.

Firefox has a repuation as a secure, free and open source web-browser; 
it's reputation is such that those who once distrusted open source 
software are starting, at least, to trust it enough to use.

That said, the open source browser component of the old Mozilla suite 
has undergone quite a few name changes. Interestingly, they've generally 
been because some other trademark holder has alleged infringement of 
their trademark.

Noone's head is going to implode about this issue however someone is 
going to have to explain what the difference between Ice Weasel and 
Firefox actually is. We may have to live with it, however remember that 
open source is forging its way into places where people see change, 
diversity and code forks as weaknesses and something to be afraid of.

Sometimes they are - maybe it's our job to help others understand that 
this isn't always the case?

DSL