Re: bad press in the G+ circles/press

[Allan Day <allanpday gmail com>]

Sriram Ramkrishna <sri ramkrishna me> wrote:
> We've been getting a slew of psots on G+ and in the press.  Started by
> Linus, has now caused a stampede of well known Linux kernel developers
> feeling the need to reject Gnome 3 in public.
>
> Since the press now senses red meat, I wonder if we might be ready with
> canned messages if at the Desktop Summit we are approached to comment on
> Linus and other's rants against Gnome 3?

The main thing is to set out our positive story rather than to tackle
the negativity head on. There's a standard line that goes something
like:

1. GNOME 3 was a change, there were always going to be some people who
didn't like it.
2. But it has been a huge success. <Insert evidence:
  - We've been regularly contacted by people telling us how much they like it.
  - There have been good reviews in the press.
  - Fedora received a massive boost in popularity due to including it.
  - We've subsequently seen other major OSs following the same design
trajectories - FOSS leading rather than following for once.>
3. But we know there's more to do. 3.0 was the first step; it will get
better and better with subsequent releases.

The most damaging thing that's been said so far - which we need to
counter where possible - is the suggestion that no one likes GNOME 3.
That's a really nasty meme. A straight statement along the lines of 'X
is entitled to his/her opinion, but it goes against the reality that
GNOME 3.0 was hugely successful for that kind of release' is needed.

Keep up the great work Sri!

Allan
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