Canonical planning on creating "Spread Ubuntu".com?

[Mazza558]

If you go to http://www.spreadubuntu.com, you'll get redirected to the Ubuntu homepage. That surely means that Canonical owns the domain?

If Canonical owns the domain, could it be that they are planning to use it in a similar way to http://www.spreadfirefox.com?

[Tom--d]

Interesting, I wouldn't mind showing people that link if they are interested in Ubuntu. (Of course if it gets made).

[Kernel Sanders]

If you go to http://www.spreadubuntu.com, you'll get redirected to the Ubuntu homepage. That surely means that Canonical owns the domain?

No, not at all. I could redirect my website to Obama's homepage if I wanted, but that doesn't mean that Obama owns my website.

To find out who owns what website, you need to do a "whois" search. I did one on www.spreadubuntu.com and you're right. Canonical does own it! :KS

http://www.whois-search.com/whois/www.spreadubuntu.com

[namd3r]

Looks like they've owned it for a couple of years at least...

[Mazza558]

They probably bought it when they realised Ubuntu was getting pretty popular.

[cdwillis]

No, not at all. I could redirect my website to Obama's homepage if I wanted, but that doesn't mean that Obama owns my website.

To find out who owns what website, you need to do a "whois" search. I did one on www.spreadubuntu.com and you're right. Canonical does own it! :KS

http://www.whois-search.com/whois/www.spreadubuntu.com


No need for the website, you can just do it with the terminal


cd@cdbox:~$ whois spreadubuntu.com

Whois Server Version 2.0

Domain names in the .com and .net domains can now be registered
with many different competing registrars. Go to http://www.internic.net
for detailed information.

Domain Name: SPREADUBUNTU.COM
Registrar: MARKMONITOR INC.
Whois Server: whois.markmonitor.com
Referral URL: http://www.markmonitor.com
Name Server: NS1.CANONICAL.COM
Name Server: NS2.CANONICAL.COM
Name Server: NS3.CANONICAL.COM
Status: clientDeleteProhibited
Status: clientTransferProhibited
Status: clientUpdateProhibited
Updated Date: 01-apr-2008
Creation Date: 31-may-2006
Expiration Date: 31-may-2010

>>> Last update of whois database: Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:49:58 EST <<<

NOTICE: The expiration date displayed in this record is the date the
registrar's sponsorship of the domain name registration in the registry is
currently set to expire. This date does not necessarily reflect the expiration
date of the domain name registrant's agreement with the sponsoring
registrar. Users may consult the sponsoring registrar's Whois database to
view the registrar's reported date of expiration for this registration.

TERMS OF USE: You are not authorized to access or query our Whois
database through the use of electronic processes that are high-volume and
automated except as reasonably necessary to register domain names or
modify existing registrations; the Data in VeriSign Global Registry
Services' ("VeriSign") Whois database is provided by VeriSign for
information purposes only, and to assist persons in obtaining information
about or related to a domain name registration record. VeriSign does not
guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a Whois query, you agree to abide
by the following terms of use: You agree that you may use this Data only
for lawful purposes and that under no circumstances will you use this Data
to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail, telephone,
or facsimile; or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to VeriSign (or its computer systems). The compilation,
repackaging, dissemination or other use of this Data is expressly
prohibited without the prior written consent of VeriSign. You agree not to
use electronic processes that are automated and high-volume to access or
query the Whois database except as reasonably necessary to register
domain names or modify existing registrations. VeriSign reserves the right
to restrict your access to the Whois database in its sole discretion to ensure
operational stability. VeriSign may restrict or terminate your access to the
Whois database for failure to abide by these terms of use. VeriSign
reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.

The Registry database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .EDU domains and
Registrars.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
MarkMonitor, the Global Leader in Enterprise Brand Protection

Domain Management
Online Trademark Protection
Online Channel Protection
AntiPhishing Solutions
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Data in MarkMonitor.com's WHOIS database is provided by MarkMonitor.com
for information purposes, and to assist persons in obtaining information
about or related to a domain name registration record. MarkMonitor.com
does not guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a WHOIS query, you agree
that you will use this Data only for lawful purposes and that, under no
circumstances will you use this Data to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise
support the transmission of mass unsolicited, commercial advertising or
solicitations via e-mail (spam); or (2) enable high volume, automated,
electronic processes that apply to MarkMonitor.com (or its systems).
MarkMonitor.com reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.
By submitting this query, you agree to abide by this policy.

Registrant:
James Troup
Canonical, Ltd.
One Circular Road
Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1AF
GB
hostmaster@canonical.com +44.1624643643 Fax: -

Domain Name: spreadubuntu.com

Registrar Name: Markmonitor.com
Registrar Whois: whois.markmonitor.com
Registrar Homepage: http://www.markmonitor.com

Administrative Contact:
James Troup
Canonical, Ltd.
One Circular Road
Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1AF
GB
hostmaster@canonical.com +44.1624643643 Fax: -
Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
James Troup
Canonical, Ltd.
One Circular Road
Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1AF
GB
hostmaster@canonical.com +44.1624643643 Fax: -

Created on..............: 2006-05-31.
Expires on..............: 2010-05-31.
Record last updated on..: 2008-06-17.

Domain servers in listed order:

ns3.canonical.com
ns1.canonical.com
ns2.canonical.com




-----------------------------------------------------------------------
MarkMonitor, the Global Leader in Enterprise Brand Protection

Domain Management
Online Trademark Protection
Online Channel Protection
AntiPhishing Solutions
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[bobbocanfly]

There are plans to create a Spread Ubuntu website (Like Firefox's Spread Firefox site). I think it was talked about at UDS, but I could be wrong on that. IIRC (yeah my memory is awesome today), it is being done by the same guy that did Brainstorm, but again, I could be wrong :p

[DJ_Peng]

They are working on using it for marketing, as this wiki page (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MarketingTeam/Projects/SpreadUbuntu) shows. It's still a work in progress though. You can join the Launchpad team (https://launchpad.net/%7Espreadubuntu) and get updated as things progress.

[Sealbhach]

I think it was talked about at UDS, but I could be wrong on that

Yes, it's mentioned in this podcast here about the event:

http://ubuntupodcast.net/2008/12/16/ubuntu-podcast-episode-15/


.

[MikeTheC]

@Sealbhach: Yeah, I watched the video. Interesting, but not particularly impressive or professional.

------

The thing is, folks, that while the "grass-roots" concept is a valid one, it's not the end-all, be-all approach that so many seem to think it is. It should be part of a multi-pronged effort. See, "grass-roots" is more of a medium than it is a message, so there needs to be a message out there for grass-roots to deliver.

I'm not going to take any of this seriously until I see Mark finally decide to pony up the £££ (or the $$$) for mainstream radio and tv advertisements. That doesn't mean I think Mark alone should be the voice and face of Linux, nor that he should be the sole financial contributor to Linux advertising. If anything, it kind of works against him in the sense that he'd just become "another OS salesman". Ideally, senior folk from all the major distros should be involved in this effort, in terms of brain power, logistics, and financing.

One really great person I can think of to have out there, along with someone like Mark, would be Mozilla chief Mitchell Baker, who is energetic, well-spoken, credible and frankly would have a really great message to deliver.

Right now would be as good a time as any to cash in on the in-roads made by Apple in their anti-Microsoft advertising. They have already gotten the advertising-space conversation rolling about how Microsoft is not the end-all, be-all of OS platforms, and the fact that there are viable alternatives to Windows. And while it would be critical for any Linux advertising not to appear as a "me too" phenomenon, the truth is that there's a lot of "blazing of trails" which Mark, Mitchell, et al, would simply not have to engage in at this point.

However, Mark (I know I've said "others, too" but keep paradoxically referring simply to Mark) has to come to this conclusion on his own. Until that happens, we can sit here and scream all day long, but it's nothing more than people sitting on the sidelines. It won't be done right if it doesn't come from within, and we're otherwise all just wasting our time, effort and breath.

Now, that said, it doesn't mean we shouldn't be out there spreading the "good news" ourselves. I try to when I can, and I try to facilitate opportunities where they present themselves. As of this moment, I'm responsible (in whole or in part) for five people having either switched or considering switching to Linux. Once I start in college, I know that discussion is going to take place from time to time.

[Sealbhach]

The Linux Foundation is staging an "I'm Linux" video contest:

http://video.linuxfoundation.org/category/video-category/-linux-foundation-video-contest


.

[Mazza558]

Grassroots advertising worked well for Firefox - look at it now, 20% marketshare!

[bruce89]

Grassroots advertising worked well for Firefox - look at it now, 20% marketshare!

You could argue that this is a bad thing. People should use something if they want to, not because they think others do.

[magmon]

Would certainly not be a bad idea. People should know about ubuntu! Ive had friends say that I have a "mac operating system" or ask if I made it o.O

[bp1509]

d

[bruce89]

And Canonical is here to eventually turn a profit. It's not here to make us happy to have something free to use.

That's not the case. They charge for support contracts, which companies would be likely to use.

[magmon]

That's not the case. They charge for support contracts, which companies would be likely to use.

They also sell mice/mousepads, pendrives and etc.

[DJ_Peng]

You could argue that this is a bad thing. People should use something if they want to, not because they think others do.
I think the reason SpreadFx has worked so well is because it did a great job of educating users that there's an alternative to IE. SU can do that same thing and just let people know Ubuntu is out there and isn't as hard as GNU/Linux's well-earned rep had it. Believe me, the CLI past of GNU/Linux is how people think of all distros, and SU can let folks know that those days are behind us.

Someone on the Mac4Lin support thread posted that his wife was amazed at what looked like OSX on his WinXP laptop. Of course it was Ubuntu+Mac4Lin, but that's the very type of thing that will make people want to look at Ubuntu. Not everyone will switch, but I don't expect them too. Just the fact that they can check out Ubuntu (or another distro) via a free LiveCD without installing anything is going to knock people's socks off.

[coolbrook]

I'll be happy to be an affiliate.

[Mehall]

They also sell mice/mousepads, pendrives and etc.

Mark wants Canonical to manage to get away from him and be self-sustaining, and they're damned close, which I think is impressive given we're in economic hardship.

Mark has no problem giving Canonical time and money but he would like them to get themselves covered so that they can continue on even if something happens to him.

[vishzilla]

Its a good thing IMO esp. if they initiate campaigns for schools and colleges to use Ubuntu.

[Islington]

Here is the Test Page (from the mailing list):

http://spreadubuntu.neomenlo.org/

[wolfen69]

As of this moment, I'm responsible (in whole or in part) for five people having either switched or considering switching to Linux.

that's pretty good. that's the way it is going to spread. word of mouth and example are powerful things. don't underestimate your ability to contribute to the revolution.

i myself have converted about 14 as of now. i do my best to spread the word about it and hand out cd's.