Craig Hammond wrote:
>>I suppose this sounds strange, but is there any chance of getting the
>>"Free, Functional, Secure" off the CD cover.
>>Maybe make it "Functional, Secure".
>>
>>Before I get flamed, let me explain.
>>
>>My way of supporting OBSD is whenever I setup an OBSD server for
>>a client, I buy the official OBSD CD and pass on that charge to the
>>client, with a mark up or course :). Most customers want to see
>>an original CD if they have paid money for it.
>>
>>The bit that causes me a bit of grief is the:
>>"Free, Functional, Secure" on the spine of the CD. (i can't see it
>>anywhere else on the cd)
>>Quite often, they see the FREE bit and ask why I charged them for
>>the CD if it's free. I try to explain that it means "free to do with as
>>you wish, not no-cost", but I don't think I am believed sometimes
>>and they think I am ripping them off.
>>
>>I tried just adding the cost of the CD into the total price of the job,
>>but if I say the software is free (cost wise), typical of some people
>>not exposed to open source in general, they think if it's no-cost,
>>it's crap.
>>
>>It's easier to convince a client that this fantasic, super secure
>>product
>>called OpenBSD costs a few hundred dollars than it is to say that it's
>>free.
>>
>>I know this is an extremely minor problem, and except for maybe
>>a few flames, it can't hurt to ask.
>>
>>Craig...
>
>
Francis Cianfrocca replied:
>CC: misc_(_at_)_openbsd_(_dot_)_org
>Subject: Re: Strange Request.
>
>All of us are believers in open-source in general and o-bsd in
>particular (or else we wouldn't be here, right?) In a way, we're all
>fighting a "good fight" on behalf of some really important ideas:
>1) the best software comes out of communities like ours where everyone
>*freely* contributes;
>2) the most *secure* software comes from *free* examination by as many
>good eyes as possible.
>3) *freedom* matters a very very great deal, but it's not automatic- we
>all have to fight for it.
>I've had no trouble getting my clients (all large enterprises) to
>recognize this stuff. When they recognize the benefits of o-bsd for the
>applications for which we recommend it, they don't have any trouble
>paying us to help integrate it. They get something more secure and
>ultimately less expensive anyway!
>
>Keep "Free Functional Secure." Be an evangelist for our community! You
>can convince your clients to be happy that they are supporting something
>really important ;-)
>-f
Cost of the CD. $43 (or whatever).
Cost of *YOUR* expertise and time to install the CD: $hundreds.
Cost of the software. Priceless.
Consider asking your clients to donate to obsd on their own behalf.
-Marcus Watts