Jim Lynch: Off the Top of My Head…

I have very mixed feelings about this:

The Linux Foundation, the non-profit that supports the growth of the Linux kernel, is today announcing an affinity Visa Platinum credit card for people who want to contribute to advancing the OS through the organization’s initiatives. Reading the press release announcing the new credit card made me raise my eyebrows, but after giving it a bit of thought I think that this is actually not that bad an idea.

Jim Zemlin, executive director of The Linux Foundation in a statement says people can contribute to Linux in a variety of ways (writing code, marketing, etc.) but now have a convenient way of identifying themselves as supporters of the community “by carrying Tux in their pocket”. And then of course there’s the financial incentive.

The Linux Foundation is partnering with CardPartner to offer the credit card through UMB Bank. The organization will receive $50 for every activated card as well as a percentage of every purchase made with the credit card. The Linux Foundation also says 100% of the proceeds from the Visa card program will go directly towards providing community technical events and travel grants for open source community members in order to accelerate Linux innovation.

I totally understand the need to generate a revenue stream and how that can be beneficial for the Linux Foundation but credit cards are so nasty and can get people into so much trouble. Look at where our economy is right now and how many people are so far into debt. It’s very sad.

Yes, I know that not everybody who has a credit card gets into debt but many do. And how does a Linux credit card square with the principles of the Linux movement? I really don’t know. It seems kind of contradictory to me actually, to a certain degree.

Yes, there is definitely a coolness factor in having Tux on your credit card. But I hate the idea of people possibly going into debt even if the cause is noble.

If you get one of these Linux credit cards please be sure to be careful in how you use it. Don’t get yourself into debt or otherwise make purchases you don’t really need or can’t afford. The Linux Foundation will be fine without you going into debt.

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