eln's comment is absolutely spot-on. Any FOSS-related cause first needs to attract attention. Most "ordinary" people still don't know what Linux is, and have absolutely no conception of free software or their rights as free software users, should they choose to break with the current proprietary norm. Attracting attention to any aspect of protest against the proprietary, DRM-evolving system is the necessary first step in what must be an educational/proselytizing process. So while the hazmat suits might initially seem silly to those of us who are aware of these issues, from a strategic/marketing standpoint they are not silly at all.
Actually, you can run Google Earth via Wine. See the forthcoming Ubuntu Hacks from O'Reilly.
eln's comment is absolutely spot-on. Any FOSS-related cause first needs to attract attention. Most "ordinary" people still don't know what Linux is, and have absolutely no conception of free software or their rights as free software users, should they choose to break with the current proprietary norm. Attracting attention to any aspect of protest against the proprietary, DRM-evolving system is the necessary first step in what must be an educational/proselytizing process. So while the hazmat suits might initially seem silly to those of us who are aware of these issues, from a strategic/marketing standpoint they are not silly at all.