Roy Schestowitz wrote:
> __/ [ Rex Ballard ] on Saturday 24 June 2006 09:46 \__
>
> >
> > billwg wrote:
> >> Well, the COLA mantra appears to be that Windows only survives because
> >> the users are all dumbasses who don't know any better. I think that
> >> "inertia" is the wrong word and that there is a pro-active force
> >> involved.
> >
> > More accurately
> > END Users are not given the opportunity to make an INFORMED CHOICE.
> >
> > END Users who wish to try Linux:
> > must purchase it or download it themselves.
> > must install it themselves.
> > must configure it themselves.
> > must make these changes to a machine originally sold with Windows.
> >
> > The OEM makes the choice FOR the END USER.
> > The CIO of the company makes the choice FOR the end user.
>
>
> That is an excellent analogy.
>
>
> > Imagine walking into a dealer and the dealer telling you which kind of
> > car you MUST buy.
> > Now imagine tells you that you MUST by a Chevy Chevette, but you must
> > pay the MORE than you would pay for a Lincoln Continental. Every
> > dealer gives you the same story. Yes, there is a Lincoln in the
> > showroom, but you can't even test drive it. If you want the Luxury
> > car, you will have to purchase the Chevette and a "Conversion kit" sold
> > separately.
> >
> > Imagine going to work and your boss demands that you give him your Cell
> > phone and then he gives you a phone with horrible coverage, roaming
> > rates the minute you leave the office building, and that drops calls
> > every 3 minutes. Then he tells you he's cutting your salary 20% to
> > cover the cost of this horrible phone. Furthermore, you will have to
> > keep paying your personal phone plan, but you are not allowed to use
> > your personal cell phone anymore.
>
>
> When a nearby vendor stocks a competing phone with other payment plans,
> customer will sooner or later stray. But there are other barriers: habits,
> disinformation and the fear of being different (which to many is a great
> factor).
I would word the last part ("fear of being different") in a different
way. I don't believe that users/consumers fear being "different" so
much as they fear being incompatible or non-standard.
Let's do a car analogy for example? Here in the USA you don't see many
people driving hydrogen powered cars. It's not because they fear being
"different" but it's more of a concern of being non-standard. Where do
they get fuel for their car, or parts or service and maintenance?
I don't believe that people fear being "different" - most people don't
mind a bit of individuality. (People dress different, different
hair-styles, they customize their cars, their homes, etc.) It seems
that it's more of a belief that they don't want to be left holding on
to something that is perceived as being non-standard or non-compatible.
Things like IBM micro-channel PC's, Sony Betamax, OS/2, etc all lead
their owners down a dead-end road. I think it's more of a 'piece of
mind' where they buy something and don't have to worry about being left
out or being incompatible with the rest of the world.
<note>
No need to remind me that Linux adheres to formal industry standards
better than Windows. This means nothing to consumers. They're more
concerned with being able to use that new scanner or play that new game
or to be able to ask their neighbor/co-worker for help. It's really
more of a perception issue but as they say... perception is reality.
</note>
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