Hi Joss
On Tuesday 17 May 2011 13:22:46 you wrote:
On Friday 06 May 2011 21:51:44 Stuart Tanner wrote:
Where on amazon? Well amazon doesnt support people using the same name for a different product. This results anybody using the name openSUSE gets open-slx version images and information all copywright information hence why nobody sells opensuse for say £2.50.
Yesterday somebody tried to list openSUSE for £2.50 on Amazon. But they listed it against the retail version which sells for £60 as apose to a downloaded copy which they sell much cheaper. So people think they are buying retail but get a download/burned copy instead.
Yes, Amazon is a mess.
Is it acceptable for people to download openSUSE dvd either 32bit or 64bit and sell it on?
Yes, it is Free Software, we can't and don't want to forbid it. But they have to represent it properly - and not claim it has any support or warranty, as you mention below. That is an issue. Moreover, what can be downloaded is not exactly the same as what openSLX (and you) offer with the boxed version.
Right that is what I thought, they put their own cover and use no (C) images then they are in the clear and any support they claim is purely on their own, although the community will help them where they can as they do everybody but they are not responsible for retailer support.
I am trying to promote openSUSE with Telephone support and printed Documentation to help newbies make the switch. People selling on cheap DVD don't offer support and without it many people do struggle. And put off my customers as they think they can get the product cheaper elsewhere.
Yup, it is a challenge. We can go after those who mis-represent what they offer on Amazon, otherwise - it is Free Software.
If we stop ebayers downloading Linux and selling without support I think we would get more satisfied users.
At least make sure there is a clear distinction between the openSLX boxed product and the download-for-free version. We, as in I myself nor SUSE Linux Products GmbH do have the resources to go after that. However, as it is in your own business interest as well, feel free to talk to the openSUSE Board about how to handle this. The Board has the authority to tell such mis- representing resellers to stop or change their tune.
I am sure they will support you if they can. It would be possible for example to draft up a standard email warning/complaint about a 'improper representation' according to our branding guidelines. You'd be able to send those out. Or something like that - I'm not sure exactly as the board would have to decide, but be sure to CC me in case you want to discuss this with them. Personally I think we should indeed work to guarantee proper communication.
what is the @opensuse.org email for the board is it opensuse-board perchance?
I just think that people are put off by random versions on linux floating around on market stalls, most retailers don't have a clue which version suits which needs so somebody who needs a stable and simple desktop computer may well end up with one which is for the seriously technically minded.
If Linux was left to those that knew what they are talking about, and not sold along side 3D Goldfish screensavers and the like we really would do better.
If people choose to sell it they must be prepared to support it. From 12.1 I believe that open-slx is changing the name due to reasons I am unsure about. Will this kill what little sales there are on Amazon anyway?
That is a risk, yes. But openSLX made that choice and you'd have to talk to them about it...
I don't know what has been said between open-SLX and openSUSE, I am not privey to the conversations, but if open-SLX has had a dissagreement with the board or the branding guidlines have changed, as long as its openSUSE in the box I don't care what it says on the box. if its powered by openSUSE to me it is openSUSE (with whatever extentions are added to the image after.
Anyway I am off to build contacts, have a bus to London at 9:45 for a two day "Small Business, New Buiness" Confrence.
BTW on the 21st of June I am giving a presentation on openSUSE and also Linux in Everyday life to a group of students 16-19 at the Zonos IT Accademy (www.zonos.com) , I presume I am ok to use the stock presenter templates and posters from marketing git.
I wish i could damn figure how to get my HTC Desire HD emails past the mailing list sensor bot i have set the email to be sent in plain text but still it seems to be sending part text/part html.
Stuart
-----Original Message----- From: Jos Poortvliet jospoortvliet@gmail.com Date: Fri, 6 May 2011 20:01:11 To: opensuse-marketing@opensuse.org Reply-To: jospoortvliet@gmail.com Cc: Rajko M.rmatov101@charter.net Subject: Re: [opensuse-marketing] Where to buy openSUSE dvds?
On Friday 29 April 2011 04:45:33 Rajko M. wrote:
On Thursday, April 28, 2011 05:22:53 AM Stuart Tanner wrote: ...
Amazon Marketplace is not that popular. ...
Tells that it is kind of hard to find real openSUSE.
wow, amount of crap there is incredible...