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R.I.P. Linuxbox
Submitted by many: Linuxbox (AKA MassLinux), the hosting service that provided free server space for many open source and free software projects, went offline today at noon. Chris Gann, the company's owner, told me (by phone) that he's about $7000 short of keeping things going, which is almost exactly how much he's owed by deadbeat "paying" customers. Chris is a truly nice person, which may be why so many customers figured they could get away without paying him. If so, this is a sad commentary on the current Internet business climate.
If they really wanted to endear themselves to the Linux and OpenSource communities, Andover might want to take a looksie in that direction...
What do you think Rob? Is it worth making inquiries? After all, it's just some host space, right?
-- What you do today will cost you a day of your life.
If you know who might need a host, email me at rob@freshmeat.net.
For those of you wishing to make donations or send money, you may do so by sending check/money order/cash/shoelaces/whatever to:
MassLinux
55 Water Street
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
USA
I wish I had something more prolific to say, but unfortunately I am still sincerely at a loss for words both over our tragedy and over your generosity and support. We really believe in Open Source and the OSS community at large. We have always been avid supporters of linux since that cold autumn day in 1994 when I first discovered SLS Linux :-)
As it has been known for some time, the domain name LINUXBOX.COM has been for sale. We wanted to use that revenue to expand our GNU/OSS offerings and create a nice site dedicated soleley to those efforts. It's still for sale :-) Unfortunately, due to lack of investors, this was a necessity for us.
I have been getting a TON of email, I will respond to all of it. Right now my hands are shaking and I'm too excited and shellshocked to be of much use, but let me just say one last thing: From the bottoms of our hearts, we thank you all tremendously!!
--Chris
Chris Gann
MassLinux
MassLinux
55 Water Street
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
USA
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This sig has been temporarily disconnected or is no longer in service
CSoft networks has packages starting at US$5. They've been slashdot advertisers for a while too.
10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
Yes, Linux is about "free" software, but: (a) that is "free" as in "freedom", and (b) software doesn't include services rendered.
Yes, Linux folk are generally amongst the most pleasent, friendly, supportive, generous folk you could ever hope to meet. That doesn't mean you have a licence to rob them blind.
Yes, everyone has money-flow problems, from time to time. But giving -other- people money problems as a result is simply a good way of compounding the problem, not solving it.
I think those who owe Chris Gann money should pay up, in full, plus make a donation to him to compensate for their failure to pay on time. These people owe it to Chris, for providing the services he has.
There is -NO- excuse for depriving the Linux community of a service, for short-term gain. In the end, even those folk who have held back money will lose, as now they'll have to buy more expensive services elsewhere, for online stuff. Their short-term gain is their long-term loss, as well as everyone else's loss.
It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
It really is a huge problem in all businesses, especially small ones. Larger companies are horrible about paying bills. They will push you around like you don't even exist. Your terms might say "Net 30" on your invoice, but when you call they will just laugh and say, "Well, we don't care what the terms were, we only cut checks twice a year". There was an architecture firm where I live that actually has a "secret" policy to be at least a million dollars in debt at all times.
What's sad is that there is nothing you can do about it since using the law against them will only hurt you in the long run (you destroy your relationship with them), and there are too many other saps out there willing to get their account, even if they do take a year to pay.
support gun control: take guns from cops
I just mailed $20 out to help make up for the welching losers out there that haven't paid up.
Obivously, I didn't need to do this, but even more obivously I didn't do it for the sick jerks not paying their debt.
I did it because I have been feeling the need to help the OSS community at least a little. Since I do use their software everyday at home and work.
I use to contribute a lot, but with work and school. It's come down to sleep or code. (Yes, I know most would say code. But, if I get any less sleep I'll start falling asleep while driving.)
So this is the answer. Or at least one of them. All the time I hear newbies asking how can they help if they don't know how to program.
Well, sending even $5 to help others give webspace to OSS projects isn't a bad choice. Especially, if you are stressed for time.
Helping make documentation is another one that most people can do with even bits and pieces of spare time.
Reporting bugs is one that more people should do. It's not that hard. It doesn't take that much time. No really it doesn't, you can fill out some bug reporting information quickly to help others to make a better product for everyone.
Even feedback helps!!! Make a few suggestions politely. And don't forget that it won't kill you to send a few quick emails to some developers saying, "Thank you for taking your time to make such a great product for everyone to enjoy." They will probably like the fact that someone took the time to exercise some manners and say thank you.
Please, add to this list and exercise a few of these suggestions. Help make the OSS world a better place.
Eros, apologizes in advance for any spelling mistakes and/or run on sentences. Please, refer to the paragraph mentioning sleep.