Ethics of a sales person

I have a real problem with pushy sales people. In fact, I hate them. I hate the way they assume that you are ready and perceptive to buying new products or services to replace the ones that you are perfectly happy with! “No thanks, I don't want double glazing, there's nothing wrong with my Windows. “ or “ NO, I don't want to get the exterior walls of my house painted in a fantabulous weather proof coating”. I find their techniques intrusive and inappropriate. I am the type of person who scours a local directory (web or book based) to find the best deal; and I do this when I am ready to part with my money and not in the middle of my evening tea or taking the children to bed.

I know what these companies are doing. I understand about brand recognition and repetitive marketing techniques. We live it every day. Every ones looking for world domination and aspires to make super normal profits on the goods that they sell. Labels are cool, big names are cool and it goes without saying that any thing from America is cool. So how, in a world that revolves around image, can we sell a product that doesn't tick any of those boxes.

I have failed miserably in converting people from Windows to Linux. I'm surrounded by people who really don't care about free as in freedom but do care about free as in beer......and guess what........they're already using free software. Their not contributing to Paul Allen’s 300-foot yacht that carries a 30-person crew, two helicopters, a swimming pool, a spa, a private cinema, six other surface boats (including a separate 54-foot racing yacht and two Hobie catamarans) and a submarine. Otherwise honest and law abiding citizens who wouldn't dream of not paying their TV licence are sharing and copying Microsoft products like there's no tomorrow. I find older people the worst culprits for this, probably has something to do with their war time rationed up bringing. A friend of a friends Gran recently said “Nobodys going to send me to jail for sharing, that's what we do where I come from. Back in my day.....” How exactly can one argue with an old lady without striking the fear of god into her and maybe bringing on a heart attack. Plus, they don't really care about bugs and errors, there's always someone in their family, street, social circle who doesn't mind helping them out with their computer niggles..... mainly because it keeps their wine rack full :-)

As you may or may not know – I have been re-born. I was once a disillusioned Windows user that has happily (and successfully) converted to Ubuntu, and I don't understand the reluctance for others to change. The majority of people I have tried to convert only use their PC for word processing and surfing. So what's all the fussing and fighting about. I fear the worst..... I think I might have turned into one of those really pushy sales people that I so passionately hate. I have been trying to sell to people who (bottom line) just aren't interested. So I have decided to change my tack.....and so far its worked a treat.

I have now managed to narrow my pros of Linux down to just five points. Obviously there are plenty more reasons, but these are the ones that seem to be the eye brow raising clinchers. Here's a list in reverse order of my selling points to convert friends, family, neighbours, colleagues (quite frankly any one) from Windows to my fave Ubuntu.

5. Viruses, Spyware, Trojans..... not a big problem.
4. Upgrades will always be free.
3. Allows you access to thousands of free programs. When mentioning this I remind the them that by default Windows lacks many things i.e. decent CD burner, anti-virus software, an image manipulation program, office software.
2. You are there to help them convert.

and at number one, after a lengthy ear bashing, this is the one that really gets them motivated.

1. I called FAST (yes that's the Federation Against Software Theft) a couple of hours ago, and I guess they must be on their way now to impound you PC ,thrash your behind and drag your sorry self off to the nearest cell. If your really lucky you may even get to see your name printed in the local paper in the 'Look Who's Been in Court' section.

I've resigned my self to the fact that I have become the very person I hate..... a low-down dirty scum-ball of a sales person who resorts to bribery and treachery to get what she wants. I don't think I'm going to win any personality contests this month, but maybe I'll be lucky enough to pick up the John Wesley trophy at he Linux User and Development Awards this year under the title of 'Hardcore Evangelist' !!!