Dear Ubuntu (DistroWatch)

[struggle4progress]

I want you to know I care for you and I think you're a very special distribution. Some of the things I'm about to share may seem harsh and cold, but please know they come from a good place and I write them, not to hurt you, but in the hopes of strengthening our relationship.

Admittedly ... it wasn't until friends of mine had got to know you and said how much fun you were that I took any notice. I have to say though, meeting you for the first time and getting to find out how polished and friendly you were was, well, a privilege. You showed me how easy things could be if a person took the right approach. You also showed me how important it is to offer free help to people who really need it. Our time together has been fun, easy and, though we haven't always seen eye to eye on certain issues, I greatly respect the work you've done in our community ...

However, recently, I've been noticing some changes that have put a strain on our relationship ... I know everyone likes to experiment a little and it's good to mix things up from time to time, but this current shake-up feels like a mid-life crises. I worry that you're so interested in forging a new path that you're ignoring the things which made so many people look up to you in the beginning. This sudden interest in 3-D, shiny things and big buttons ... what is that? Ubuntu, you used to be so focused on being universal and accessible. Now it feels like you're only interested in spending time with those kids at the mall ...

... Lots of people are interested in clouds, but perhaps you're putting too much focus in one area? When we first started spending time together, you'd talk about reaching out to everyone and making technology available to people in remote locations without network access or funds. These days it seems you're only interested in working with people who have good connections and an interest in sharing their secrets with you. It's exciting and fun, but shouldn't we find a balance? I like that you're into clouds, but let's remember that not everyone is ...

http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20110627#opinion