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0e1f616
(Get the code!)
Friends, I think most of us know how easy it is to switch to GNOME Shell, or even XFCE (or LXDE -- let's not forget it, it's wonderful in its minimalism) in Ubuntu and still stay in a mostly GTK-and-GNOME-like paradigm. For some, that's a perfect solution!
But, please try to understand why this is not a good enough solution for some of us. The problem is the bitter taste it leaves in our mouth: a lack of trust in Ubuntu as a whole and its leadership. We have many, many choices for complete operating systems in the free software world, so why advocate and push for Ubuntu if we cannot trust that the project is going in the right direction?
Mark has accused some of us of being "selfish" in trying to push for a specific bug fix. What he fails to understand is that it's not for ourselves that we're pushing. Our personal problems are easily solvable in the free software world in so many other ways. We are frustrated because we think one of the best opportunities we've ever had for a free operating system for everyone might be squandered.
It's the same with the threats of "That's it! I'm switching to Mint!" I think Mark and others just roll their eyes when they see such threats. The threats are indeed a bit pathetic... But, to me they are very worrying because they show that Ubuntu is not doing well enough in the battle for hearts and minds.
Famously, the first bug open in Launchpad is this:
https:/
Microsoft Windows won the desktop not because of quality, but because of good business positioning. Will Ubuntu win only because it's free software? RedHat is doing OK, but hasn't really conquered. Ubuntu may have to win on a combination of factors: of being "good enough" as a replacement (meaning it will support all standards), of actual merit and added value it could bring to enterprises and home users, and also some good business deals. But I also believe that popular support, advocacy, and a strong community will be a factor. For example, consider how well the iPhone and Macs have done in replacing BlackBerry and Windows in their traditional corporate turf. The reason is advocacy by private people who love Apple devices so much and keep pushing for them. The "I'm switching to Mint!" folk are not going to be such people for Ubuntu. Losing them is just really too bad.
So, yeah, we can just "move on" and stop bothering the Unity folk. We know that. But we keep "nagging" because what is at stake is bigger than just a moveable Launcher. What's at stake is Launchpad bug #1.