[scribus] Is Linux/Scribus viable? (was New Linux User...)

[Hal V. Engel]

On Sunday 10 August 2008 08:14:41 am Gregory Pittman wrote:
> Frank Swygert wrote:
> > There's more non-tech people out there than tech, though that will
> > change over the next 20 years. The fact is that until a lot of average
> > consumers start seeing Linux in stores it will be considered a techie
> > plaything to them, not something you can just go out and get like
> > Windows. A lot of people still think the Mac is just a high end
> > "designer" computer for geeks and "upscale" folks, not "just another
> > computer" like the ubiquitous Windows box.
> > A Linux store with banks of computers/burn CDs on demnad probably
> > isn't a good idea, I was just throwing out a possible scenario. A
> > simple kiosk with commercial looking boxed software would probably be
> > the way to go, with a couple computers running demos. Heck, the boxes
> > could just be for show, burn CDs from a master computer as needed or
> > have them in envelopes ready to go, like some stores do for DVDs and
> > music CDs. Burning a few at a time and having the capability to
> > produce on demand would keep inventory down though.
>
> There is the potential for something like you're saying, perhaps, but I
> think it would need to be centered around service/tech support. PC
> makers, including Apple, have turned computer and software business into
> that of selling commodities or appliances, so that when it's time to
> upgrade, you as likely as not throw out the old and buy a new one. There
> are those that deal with the inevitable paralysis of a
> virus/worm-infected Windows OS the same way.
> Linux and Scribus aren't going to fit this mold. Scribus and other
> projects serve as a kind of correction factor to the cultivated mindset
> that says you must pay whatever Microsoft and Apple charge, and upgrade
> when they say upgrade, reinforcing the idea of the dumb user, and the
> computer and its software as a black box.
> If there is any business model that might work, it would be for someone
> to develop service/tech support centers on a local level, where you
> could buy DVDs/CDs of some OS or software (not really in stock, just
> created on demand), but more importantly offer help to your customers
> for help with installation/setup/troubleshooting, in some cases maybe
> just pointing them to where help is readily available if it's just
> advice. It may be that eventually some big general retailer will figure
> out how to make this work.

Here is one example of how this might be made to work.  

Locally we have a store that "helps" users build their own PCs from parts and 
also to do repairs.  They sell parts like mother boards, processors, video 
cards, cases, power supplies and so on.  They have an assembly with work space 
and tools like screw drivers that they let their customers use.  They also 
provide basic advise and for a small additional fee will do more of the 
assembly work.  I think this business model could be extended to include OSS 
software installation support.

If you think about it the type of person who is in a place like that is also 
likely to be open to trying an OSS solution particularly if there were startup 
support available for a reasonable fee.  I have been in the local shop that 
does this and they have people wating in line to use the assmebly area and 
business appears to be brisk.

>
> Scribus's role in this is to just keep pushing forward, so that it can
> increasingly be seen as a viable alternative to ID and others, and
> companies that do DTP have a harder time justifying commercial licenses
> for proprietary software.
>
> Greg
>
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