Re: [Staffslug] website
Quoting Dave <dave(a)staffslug.org.uk>:
Just a quickie on company endorsements/links etc.
We have to be-careful on what we say/do etc, as we are only a .org, we
should be seen not to be considering make money etc (and as we don't
actually have any official bank account) .
Poss have a disclaimer on links?
TH: As per my first post; I don't think it's worth recommending larger
businesses, such as retailers. I have a few reasons for this:
- The LUG is a non-profit, impartial organisation (your point)
- We'll argue like hell over the choices - it's a timeless argument
point across forums I frequent (much like your favourite Motherboard
manufacturers)
- Any endorsements will be taken by the LUG (possibly) as golden by
new users. And any bad experiences they have may-well backfire upon
us. It's very hard to be impartial on this topic.
Though a disclaimer would cover the last point, it really depends how
much responsibility the LUG would like to take for its recommendations.
It strikes me that we don't collectively know where this is heading. A
link for this, that, the other can soon become crowded. Keeping it
streamlined, with choice links (that provide some real worth towards
potential Linux users) would be far better presented and a lot less
confusing to the new user.
(A little more to Simon's reply below.)
> Tom Hill wrote:
>> I personally wouldn't endorse Overclockers either, and I certainly
>> wouldn't inflict that grief on anyone else willingly. The sad fact of
>> the matter is that they're the only major retailer (that I can think of)
>> in the Staffs area.
>>
>> If you ask me (personally) I think it's far too subjective to be based
>> on every member's good/bad experiences (and I know how ironic that
>> sounds given my personal gripes.)
>>
>> I think we should be a little more impartial as a public organisation;
>> sponsorship of larger organisations seems a little futile, given that
>> they're unlikely to show any gratitude in return for our support, if
>> they even notice.
>>
>> Perhaps smaller companies (i.e. LinITX, or KustomPCs) would be
>> preferable. But if I'm honest, I'm not sure it's a great idea to go
>> over-board with corporate recommendations on the website. Promoting
>> local open-source companies is perfectly fine, but I'm not entirely
>> certain that large e-tailers really require our help (and not when the
>> arguments stemming from this idea will most-likely get a few backs up on
>> the list.)
>>
>> Am I talking rubbish, or does this make sense to anyone else?
>
> All makes sense Tom, but they are the only place to buy bits - unless
> you count PC World.
>
> Maybe we should just classify them "Local - over the counter sales" and
> "National - Linux friendly suppliers"?
TH: As above really (in my reply to Dave) I don't think it's worth
extending as far as recommending sources for purchasing hardware, but
my reasons for suggesting this are up there.
> I am just keen to see the Staffslug site reflecting local info.
I was
> hoping someone would recommend another supplier I had missed :-( As it
> is I have just learned about "KustomPCs" :-)
TH: Kustom PCs are actually based in Ayr. The reasoning behind
mentioning them in my first post was because I was recounting some of
the smaller, friendlier e-tailers that I know of. But drawing the line
on retailers (in my mind) should be that they /aren't/ recommended at
all. Again, as above.
> One question folks have is "Where can I go for some linux
advice and/or
> help installing my first box" - well the answer is ME! If they are
> commercial I will charge, if they are hobbyists I won't.
TH: Well, really, the answer is 'us'. Which I thought was one of the
points about having a LUG. ;)
I wasn't aware it was a medium for pimping your own services...