Tom M wrote: >> It got noticed in the foss community because it was original. > > It got noticed in a thousand local papers, and in major news > outlets because it was original. The actual impact of the Times ad > itself, was probably quite small, I'd be surprised if the ad itself > generated even a thousand new users.
What does it take to create a new user, and how long is that process? I was collecting articles from magazines about linux for many years, but not acting on them, while still feeling 'stuck' with windows (3.11 win 98 and xp too). Then I decided to attend an installfest taking a very old PC and was very appreciative that linux could be installed, but later had no time to persue it. However I was from then on convinced that linux actually existed :-) A full two years passed, until circumstances had moved (motivations, awareness, time available, realisation, - 'life') on to a situation when I actually purchased a retail pack via amazon (suse 9.1 as it happens) (note - a typical windows-world activity - a retail purchase from a mainstream outlet). From this stage onwards I was an *actual* linux user, installing in spare PCs, downloading, finding my way in LUGs and forums. To close a deal from cold includes a few processes. Initially awareness with a developing interest and motivation. The later stages for adopting linux involve anxiety and fear about Windows data loss, and some change. Most PC users have their OS pre-installed. The idea of not only changing from windows but also installing is daunting even for most regular computer club members. Mainstream advertising influences a whole climate of opinion. Currently we are pushing at an open door I would like to push harder. > The buzz created in other papers and in major news outlets was > where the true value was. (There is some marketing rule of thumb > that an article is worth 100 equivalently sized ads. The ad > probably generated a 1000 articles - so arguably a hundred thousand > multiplier was in effect.) The firefox ad was maybe long enough > ago that you might get some buzz from other media about it, but I > doubt it will be close to the extent that firefox did. Maybe since people now have realised that a community advert of that type heralded such a good product, then readers will now be much more likely to consider a more radical message. Not just to use a different browser with Windows, but to try a complete alternative to Windows! The advert may not gain much more comment but the message certainly will. -- alan cocks Kubuntu user#10391 -- ubuntu-marketing mailing list ubuntu-marketing@lists.ubuntu.com Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-marketing
