I don't know how much of it is directly attributable to the ads, but
family members who have nothing more to do with computers than the next
average Joe have been bringing up Linux with me (they know I use and
like it). They see what IBM and Novell are doing and it is making an
impression.  Even if the ad goes over everyone's head (I'm sure it does
some, but I think you'd be surprised how many people get the gist of it
anyhow), they make the IBM->Linux association and that's what really
counts.

/* Quoth Josh Jeppson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
   on Sun,  1 Feb 2004 at 15:49 -0700
   in <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> */

> > On Fri, 2004-01-30 at 21:00, Josh Jeppson wrote:
> > > Anybody seen IBM's new Linux commercials?  The ones
> > > with the very white little boy who is 'adopted' by
> > > the world?  What do you all think? Like/dislike?
> > > Comments?
> > > 
> > > They strike me as a little strange.
> > 
> > It's deep.  I think this sums up what the common man thinks about them:
> > 
> > http://slate.msn.com/id/2094360
> > 
> > In short, the common man is saying, "huh?"  _I_ think the adds are kinda
> > cool, but it also reminds me a lot of the opening sequence of every
> > "Pretender" episode when Jared is getting taught all that stuff as a
> > kid.  Makes me snicker a little.  It's nice to see someone getting
> > serious about touting Linux on primetime, though I hope the adds aren't
> > just going over everyone's head.
> > 
> > Bryan
> 
> I appreciate everybody who sounded off on what they thought of them.
> I was trying to spark a good discussion on them, and I think that's
> what we got.  As far as the commercials being over everyone's head,
> I don't think that they're directed at the desktop crowd.  Rather
> IBM is marketing towards IT shops and other technical departments.
> 
> The article you reference, Bryan, I think makes that clear.  Blue
> Collar Average Joe Six-Pack is not going to understand or care what
> is being sold.  But your typical IT Professional will know exactly
> what it means, and it might make it easier to explain to his White
> Collar Bottom Line Boss why Linux is a good thing, with or without IBM.
> 
> I really do like the subtle and not-so-subtle nods to Linux and other
> OpenSource developers everywhere.  Kinda nice to see all those people
> getting accolades from Big Blue.
> 
> Josh
> 
> 
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