Teacher confiscates Linux discs; claims free software is myth
By John Lister
A Linux enthusiast has apologized after his mocking of a teacher who confiscated a Linux disk from a student led to an online firestorm of abuse. Ken Starks posted an e-mail from the teacher after she complained Linux was “holding our kids back”.
The teacher, who Starks has only named as ‘Karen’, wrote to him after confiscating disks from a student who was showing Linux to classmates. Her concern apparently came from a belief that, “I am not sure what you are doing is legal. No software is free and spreading that misconception is harmful. This is a world where Windows runs on virtually every computer and putting on a carnival show for an operating system is not helping these children at all.
“I am sure if you contacted Microsoft, they would be more than happy to supply you with copies of an older version of Windows,” she rather naively added.
Starks posted the e-mail on his blog along with an angry reply accusing ‘Karen’ of not caring about her students and suggesting she might be influenced by Microsoft donations to her teacher union.
While Starks’ blog normally has an audience in the dozens, the resulting media interest drove thousands of readers to the site, with many leaving hostile messages. Starks claims one British magazine even offered a thousand dollars for the teacher’s identity.
‘Karen’ then contacted Starks to complain about the abuse. The pair have now spoken several times and Starks now concedes, “The teachers that we entrust our kids with on a daily basis do us a service that is under-appreciated, under-paid and over-criticized. My mini tirade didn’t add anything of value to the situation and only served to inflame an already volatile area of debate”
Still, there is a happy ending for Linux supporters. Starks visited the teacher over the weekend and installed Linux-based systems on three machines. He says her reaction was “Luv @ first site” but understatedly predicts “Not sure she’s going to spend time in forums.”
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December 15th, 2008
Sounds like the sort of thing that Ballmer would do.
December 15th, 2008
The people who make Linux like a beacon of light in a universe of darkness with Gates as Satan and Ballmer as his evil henchman kill off more potential adoptees than the command line ever will. Who wants to join a cult?
The sad thing is Linux stands up well on it’s own merits without this “help”.
December 16th, 2008
Ken said: ‘The sad thing is [that] Linux stands up well on it’s [sic] own merits without this “help”.’
I agree wholeheartedly – I have already switched two colleagues at work (one to Fedora, one to Ubuntu), and four others have expressed interest in switching. In addition, my brother-in-law has recently asked about Linux.
Ken asked: “Who wants to join a cult?”
The answer to this is “no one in their right mind”. Take note, then, of some of the hallmarks of a cult: seeks absolute control of all things at all times, does not tolerate competition or dissent, does not care for people, interested in enriching itself at the expense of others, engages in unconscionable conduct, appears to have faulty or missing moral compass, spreads lies and half-truths, engages in mud-slinging campaigns to discredit opponents, dissembles and uses double-speak, may be willing to break laws, attempts to portray itself as upright and benevolent. Reminds me of a large U.S. software company and its founder.
December 16th, 2008
In todays commercially obsessed world I’d like to say I was surprised by this teacher’s reactions but I’m not.
You hear it in the court reports too where people are being convicted of certain offences after a Police search of their homes and they toss in the good ole ‘illegal DVS’ charge.
Like as if every burnt or downloaded DVD is illegal.
Crazy.
December 16th, 2008
“Take note, then, of some of the hallmarks of a cult: seeks absolute control of all things at all times, does not tolerate competition or dissent, does not care for people, interested in enriching itself at the expense of others, engages in unconscionable conduct, appears to have faulty or missing moral compass, spreads lies and half-truths, engages in mud-slinging campaigns to discredit opponents, dissembles and uses double-speak, may be willing to break laws, attempts to portray itself as upright and benevolent. Reminds me of a large U.S. software company and its founder.”
Exhibit A. Unable to comment on anything without taking a shot at Microsoft. What comment did you send to Karen?
December 17th, 2008
Hello Ken,
I didn’t send any comment to Karen, as I don’t blame her for her actions (which I think were based on ignorance rather than malice). Nor do I condone any attacks made by others, as in my opinion they were small-minded and churlish, and as such were a very poor reflection on the Linux community. (Yes, even I know that there are limits, and I would have thought that, if anything, gently correcting Karen would have been the appropriate course of action).
Regards,
Hugh
P.S. I hope I didn’t make you fall off your chair.
December 17th, 2008
Hugh,
No worries. I am in my reclining years.