[luau] Linksys and Red Hat (Not)

[W. Wayne Liauh]

Ray-

It can be very frustrating if and when you take Linux seriously (e.g., 
running a Linux-based
business, or even trying to make a living doing Linux).

I always believe that if people appreciate your work, they will be 
willing to pay.  There is enough
money flying around but you must first identify your potential 
customers.  And before that, you must have a system, or know exactly 
where to find a system, that will make them happy.

I believe I mentioned this personal story of mine here before.  Michael 
Dell, when he was a freshman at the University of Texas, used to come to 
our office (Exxon, which has been either No. 1 or No. 2 company in the 
US) trying to sell the PCs built by his company ("PC Limited", which has 
only one employee--himself).

This guy was very persistent--he came to our office almost every week, 
doing demo to everyone who cared to listen.  He knew that, if he could 
make just one sale, the name "Exxon" carries a lot of prestige.  Yes it 
did, and the rest became history.

Basically, to avoid frustrations, we need to realize that our resources 
are very limited.  Marketing is important.  But ability to identify able 
(to pay) and willing (to use) customers has a greater priority.