Don’t Fight FUD With FUD
February 19th, 2009 by ComputerBob
Most savvy computer users have known for years that Microsoft consistently and repeatedly uses FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) to try to scare non-savvy computer users away from even considering any of the many excellent, secure, free and open-source alternatives to Windows.
I think that FUD cynically plays upon the natural human psychology that “the unknown evil” is scarier than “the known evil.”
It’s one of the big reasons why many abused children — if given a choice — would choose to return to their abusers instead of being placed in foster homes.
It’s also one of the big reasons why many children of alcoholics grow up to marry alcoholics.
To me, using FUD to spread lies and rumors about your competition is sort of like telling your significant other, “No matter how I treat you, you’d better stay with me, because no one else would ever want you.”
FUD is always bad. And disrespectful. And manipulative.
Even when it’s used against a long-term FUD-der like Microsoft.
I firmly believe that if you respect people, you don’t try to trick them into doing what you want them to do.
You do what you can to empower them with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Make them aware of all of their options.
And let them decide for themselves.
Even when you know that many of them will choose to stay with their abusers.
At least for now.
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Consumer Info, Domestic Violence, Ethics, Freedom, Microsoft, Psychology, Security, Survivors