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The Age Interviews Linux Advocate Rick Moen

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the stories-from-the-trenches dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The Age interviews Rick Moen, a software generalist from the Linux community and an advocate for Open Source software." Rick's been a real catalyst for the Linux community over the years, helping organize the LINC Expo, Windows Refund Day, Linux birthday parties, and more. An entertaining read.

4 of 160 comments (clear)

  1. A software generalist? by LordOfYourPants · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Just out of curiosity, what does a software generalist do?

    I know I can probably look this up on google, but I figure this is as good a place as any to have this question answered.

  2. Same question I asked, actually by rickmoen · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Well, I'm not sure I understand, either. Sam Varghese is a really good reporter, and I always enjoy talking to him, but I wasn't really clear on why he wanted to interview me. (And the term "Linux advocate" was Sam's, not mine, by the way.) 'Hope you enjoyed reading it, anyway.

    Rick Moen
    rick@linuxmafia.com

  3. Picked the wrong advocate by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Interesting
    Rick calls himself "a software generalist" in the Linux community, who answers technical questions on-line, concerning all aspects of Linux.

    Rick actually isn't a great guy (in the personality sense) when it comes to offering help online. He spends a lot of time in lists and groups offering his opinion, rather than actual help. On any list he's to which he's a contributor, he's probably 10-15% of the list's total traffic. That in itself isn't bad. But when you disagree with his opinion, oh boy!

    He'll then go on enless tirades on how you're obviously wrong because he's obviously right. For instance, if you inquire to a list about finding a way to use Visio from within Linux at work (because it is your company's software of choice ...) he will butt in to say that you A) should get a new job because you're being pigeon-holed into using MS products B) shouldn't attempt to use Visio in any circumstance because it's MS junk, C) should use Dia and make your MS-loving coworkers suck it up because you're taking a stand against MS, and D) have no valid reason to then disagree with his dissenting remarks because he "does this for free and if you want to waste [his] time you can pay [him]." He's that guy in every list and group you have to regret let joining because the 10% of the time that he's a hothead to 10% of the people seems like he's that way all the time to everyone. He's the kind of person you find all the newbies complaining about ... all the I'm so elite that you're obviously too stupid to be in my presence kind of folks.

    It'd be nice if more people spent the kind of time that Rick does trying to help others and not trip over their own egos while doing so. A big Thank You to those of you whom exemplify this notion. A big No Thanks to Rick Moen.

    Feel free to mod this as an AC Troll. The truth within this community hurts sometimes, but we have to examine it all in order to keep things improving, even when the topic and problem aren't pretty.

  4. Re:Rick Moen is a liability, not an asset by rickmoen · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Well, I'm sorry you feel that way (whoever you are).

    I've certainly been known to tell people they "don't have to load Red Hat", if they seem to have picked up that impression and are asking my advice. For most people running desktop setups, if they ask, I tend to recommend Libranet, Lycoris Desktop/LX, Linux-Mandrake, or SuSE.

    But I'm glad to help people with RH. I think three people at the last SVLUG installfest used my CDs of RH 8.0, and I duplicated a set on the spot for someone else. Currently, I also have ISOs of the post-8.0 "Phoebe" beta. A couple of days ago, I invited anyone interested to visit and make copies.

    Rick Moen
    rick@linuxmafia.com