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Re: [Linux-aus] Firefox vs IceWeasel
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