murderslastcrow
April 19th, 2009, 07:14 AM
Now, to start off I'd like to address issues of those who might be opposed to this. First, I'm aware that Canonical itself may not want to be advertised in the media, for whatever reason, and I don't intend to claim ownership or endorsement in these ads.
Also, if you think free software shouldn't be advertised, as it defeats the purpose, I assure you that it's one of the primary selling points when outlined officially.
Now, with 9.04 coming close at hand, with a lot of interesting features and nicer themes available pre-installed, I think this could really be the time for the Ubuntu distribution (and Linux as a whole) to shine.
I don't think Ubuntu will overcome the entire computer market obviously, but think about it.
The global economy is in decline, and with the release of new, extremely pricey versions of mainstream operating systems (Windows 7) coming up soon, it would provide a sheer contrast to outline the benefits of using Ubuntu.
So, I have a few ideas that I'm planning to implement in video ads.
First of all, to have a webpage (or in the event of a youtube video, links on the side) that lets you choose what kind of user you are. There would be a few ads that would pertain to all users and show off some features everyone will love, but for those more curious, they can choose what they want answers and have it given to them as a presentation.
Some categories would include computer literacy: Novice, Intermediate, Expert.
Also, questions about the interface (how to navigate and use Add/Remove, as well as easily change themes in about 20 seconds), desktop effects, and the software the user would want (noting that it's preinstalled) would all be very useful and further express the contrast to new users.
There could even be a few niche ads for certain hot-topics among Linux converts, such as the use of iPods and common Office documents with free software alternatives (with nice themes, of course). The effective use of WINE to supplement where those alternatives are nowhere to be found (gaming, namely, would bring a lot of curiosity, but might be ruled out to prevent dissatisfaction with some yet-incompatible software).
Perhaps a simple 10 second demo showing users how easy it is to customize their interface with some examples (Mac OSX or Windows look-a-likes could be included along with how long it took to modify the interface).
Also, a few simple ads that outline the unfamiliar concept of having a platform that is seamless from Server to Desktop, laptop, and now even mobile ARM processors would certainly be something worth pointing out.
So, I thank you for reading these ideas and encourage you to contribute and give me some feedback on what I should and should not include in these ads.
As you can see, for the most part I want to have ads showing the actual interface in-use to bring a sense of the real magic behind Linux to people (a bit like some recent iPhone commercials). I'm also open to some that blend a more theatric/metaphorical approach.
However, I'm trying to steer away from philosophical debate commercials since, with our current economy, as well as the recent progression of the Ubuntu platform, it certainly won't hurt to get noticed as long as new users are willing to contribute, and understand the very few risks involved, compared to the excessive benefits.
Your thoughts?
Also, if you think free software shouldn't be advertised, as it defeats the purpose, I assure you that it's one of the primary selling points when outlined officially.
Now, with 9.04 coming close at hand, with a lot of interesting features and nicer themes available pre-installed, I think this could really be the time for the Ubuntu distribution (and Linux as a whole) to shine.
I don't think Ubuntu will overcome the entire computer market obviously, but think about it.
The global economy is in decline, and with the release of new, extremely pricey versions of mainstream operating systems (Windows 7) coming up soon, it would provide a sheer contrast to outline the benefits of using Ubuntu.
So, I have a few ideas that I'm planning to implement in video ads.
First of all, to have a webpage (or in the event of a youtube video, links on the side) that lets you choose what kind of user you are. There would be a few ads that would pertain to all users and show off some features everyone will love, but for those more curious, they can choose what they want answers and have it given to them as a presentation.
Some categories would include computer literacy: Novice, Intermediate, Expert.
Also, questions about the interface (how to navigate and use Add/Remove, as well as easily change themes in about 20 seconds), desktop effects, and the software the user would want (noting that it's preinstalled) would all be very useful and further express the contrast to new users.
There could even be a few niche ads for certain hot-topics among Linux converts, such as the use of iPods and common Office documents with free software alternatives (with nice themes, of course). The effective use of WINE to supplement where those alternatives are nowhere to be found (gaming, namely, would bring a lot of curiosity, but might be ruled out to prevent dissatisfaction with some yet-incompatible software).
Perhaps a simple 10 second demo showing users how easy it is to customize their interface with some examples (Mac OSX or Windows look-a-likes could be included along with how long it took to modify the interface).
Also, a few simple ads that outline the unfamiliar concept of having a platform that is seamless from Server to Desktop, laptop, and now even mobile ARM processors would certainly be something worth pointing out.
So, I thank you for reading these ideas and encourage you to contribute and give me some feedback on what I should and should not include in these ads.
As you can see, for the most part I want to have ads showing the actual interface in-use to bring a sense of the real magic behind Linux to people (a bit like some recent iPhone commercials). I'm also open to some that blend a more theatric/metaphorical approach.
However, I'm trying to steer away from philosophical debate commercials since, with our current economy, as well as the recent progression of the Ubuntu platform, it certainly won't hurt to get noticed as long as new users are willing to contribute, and understand the very few risks involved, compared to the excessive benefits.
Your thoughts?