I promote Linux, because it really is good and I very much enjoy using it. I try not to get too fanatical, though I can't say I've never been.

This is a very useful article for Linux enthusiasts to read. Read it objectively, and you may realize that you've been doing some of the very things that they point out.

http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/mini/Advocacy.html

Now, I'm sure most of you can't be bothered reading the whole thing or even clicking on it so I'm going to summarize a couple of things I feel are significant, for the benefit of everyone

Focus on what Linux has to offer. There is no need to bash
the competition. Linux is a good, solid product
that stands on its own

Now that is probably the most significant point.

Respect the use of other operating systems. While Linux is
a wonderful platform, it does not meet everyone's needs.

There will be cases where Linux is not the answer. Be the first to recognize this and offer another solution.

Face it, Microsoft Windows is the best solution for a great number of people. Perhaps not for me, but Hell, I view it as a choice. Enamoured with Linux though I am, I wouldn't deprive myself of the choice of booting Windows when I want to. I've been getting out, seeing a lot of different people and their computers, and their gadgets, and there's no way that these people would be happy with Linux. This leads me to...

Don't insist that Linux is the only answer for a particular
application. Just as the Linux community cherishes the freedom
that Linux provides them, Linux only solutions would deprive
others of their freedom.

Now whaddya think o'that?

Finally, then I'll shut my face:

Refer to another product by its proper name. There's nothing to be gained by attempting to ridicule a company or its products by using ``creative spelling''. If we expect respect for Linux, we must respect other products.

However, I hearby grant everyone the priviledge of a disclaimer. The above rule doesn't apply to McCrappy Antivirus }>