The Linux Cult

Message ID: 362605

Posted By: deepdistrust

Subject: The Linux Cult

Cults have several things in common. They all have a charismatic leader.

They all think they have exclusive access to some special knowledge. They

think they will ultimately save the whole world, or change it for the better.

They frequently predict the beginning of the New Order on a certain future

date, and frequently revise the prediction after it proves false.

The Linux Cult has multiple leaders, but most members believe Torvalds is a

paragon of technical excellence, full of sound judgment and all that. The Linux

culties think they know some special things about operating systems, security and

software in general. They think that if most of the world switches to Linux,

the world will be a better place. They frequently predict that Microsoft dominance

will end on a certain future date, and frequently revise their prediction after

it proves false.

Linux culties are usually arrogant (and that is because they think they know some

special things about software). They look down on Windows users, and frequently

wonder 'when will the idiots get it?' On the surface, they may say they don't

really want the Windows Lusers (as they call the Windows users) to switch to Linux.

But, whenever there is a mishap of some kind in the Windows world, the Linux culties

are out in large numbers, telling everyone "you won't have this problem if you use

Linux". They also say "Linux is just easy to use as Windows, xx million people are

using it happily everyday!" where xx is a highly inflated figure. (Cults have a

tendency to inflate their membership figures.)

A few Windows users are deceived by this, and try Linux out. When they run into

the various limitations of Linux, they visit message boards and ask for help. It

is here on these message boards that the important cult message is transmitted

and reinforced. No matter whatever the problem the newbie is facing, he is told

that it is not Linux's fault. The fault lies with the user (for being stupid or

lazy), or with the device makers or ISV's or computer vendors or it is a

conspiracy engineered by Microsoft! In some cases, he is told it is not really

a problem but a feature. He is reminded about "choice". "This is not the Windows

world", he is admonished.

Many newbies quit, and go back to Windows in a short time, but some persist and

absorb the cult message. They will become the new transmitters for the cult message.

That is how the Linux cult grows.

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