The Linux Catch22

Over the years I've heard a lot of game / app developers claim that they would make Linux ports of all their software if they saw Linux become more popular (more people using it), and I've also heard consumers make the claim they would use Linux if more games / apps were available for it. I see a Catch22 here because if nobody makes a move then nothing will change. Obviously the ball is in the consumer's court here. If anyone can make change happen its us. However as a Linux user myself I can tell you straight off that it's a bold move that will leave you having to use WINE to run all your Windows games and apps, that is the ones you can't shed for a Linux alternative. My only suggestion is to find the distro you're more comfortable with. I prefer Mint, but I usually swap out cinnamon for XFCE.

(the next paragraph is a bit ranty)

I seriously want to make a permanent switch to Linux, but every so often theres this one app that needs something like silverlight or dotnet. I know theres pipelight for linux, but it's actually more of a hackjob if anything and it don't work that well. I hope there will come a day where what OS you use will no longer matter, however that day will never come until all developers decide to go cross platform instead of limiting themselves to a particular OS. I mean seriously who the hell uses silverlight anymore? I only have one thing that uses it. The brighhouse BHTV web app... Which leaves me having to use pipelight over firefox just to be able to watch the TV I pay for. Why can't they use html5 or java or flash or something other than that archaic junk we call silverlight? At least then when you say "it works for PC" it actually will... Heck even with directx I have issues using the unity editor to where speedtree is totally invisible under wine. yes I'm looking at you Unity3D team. You made an editor for Mac, so make one for Linux. And don't use that "not enough people use Linux to justify it" excuse, because it's getting old.

Mobile developers should work on both major OSs not just select ones.

I've seen this multiple times before on the app markets for both Apple IOS and Google Android. A company will develop an app or game for one OS, and not give any reason why they wont also create a version for the other. They completely ignore any questions about it. I know this will be biased but there are 2 examples. Celtic Heroes, and Power Rangers Legends. Both made strictly for IOS, when there are more Android devices out there than there are IOS. Only apple deals with IOS, Every other company uses Android. You would think that a developer could see the money making potential here. When I bought my Android phone, I had the choice to go with either, but I picked Android because it suits me better. I always feel the like the underdog, so I go with underdog things. Apple is no underdog... I have no quarrels with IOS, and I'm sure it works just as fine, but there are reasons I didn't choose it. Apple makes enough money as it is. Big corporations like them tend to ignore feedback and have terrible CS. I'm not saying Apple suffers from this, but it's an obvious thing that happens when any company gets too big for it's britches. Android devices are more common, cost less, and are developed by more than just 1 company. This not only gives you more variety, but it also means innovation has room to improve, and better devices can be made.

Apple's devices seem to be overpriced compared to Android, yet they don't offer more because Androids are ever-improving and surpassing them. This is because there isn't one big singular company at the helm who thinks they know whats best for us. It also means you will find more Android devices on the market when you go to a local phone store or on the internet. I mean no harm in what I say to those who prefer Apple, but you must consider the money making potential with Android. Just because it's not high priced and advertised everywhere (The Windows / WoW syndrome), doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It's the same thing that used to happen (and probably still does) to MacOS. More things are developed for Windows, because it's advertised everywhere and overpriced. I mentioned WoW because they're only the most popular MMORPG for the very same reasons. Does that mean that WoW or Windows are the best? Heck no. So neither is IOS. When it comes to Smartphones however, there are app stores where people make money by selling apps they developed. Right there is the potential. You can reach a broader audience by developing your app for both major OSs. Sure it means more development time for you, but it pays off in the end. Money is what you want isn't it? You can make more this way.

WARNING! PAYPAL SCAM ALERT!

I sat down to check my email today, and I noticed this in the inbox.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5776250/paypalscam.png

Normally I get emails from paypal ONLY WHEN I make a payment to someone. I hardly ever touch Ebay. Much less do I need a watch when I have a smartphone. I hovored my mouse above the links in the email to see where they "really" go, because when I noticed the price, I became a bit skeptical. They lead to a website called creativewake.com. So then I typed manually into my browser "paypal.com" to go to the REAL paypal site, and didn't find any signs of the transaction at all. This is a warning to everyone who uses paypal, if you get a email like this, do exactly as I did. Do not fall for forgeries.