http://civicaccess.416.s1.nabble.com/Re-ParIT-Re-Sparkplug-Fwd-Re-Canada-Census-on-line-GOSLING-Russell-tp536.html
Sorry for responding to my own post but I just had an idea, what about setting
on open standards. (Perhaps even
> I went to the site using firefox and konqueror and lo and behold I got the
> same message. Then I called up and asked about the system requirements.
> I has to be remembered that the help desk people are not highly technical
> so making real life analogies is the best way to have them understand the
> issues. The first guy I spoke with was very cordial and I told him that the
> site checking what operating system I was using was irrelevant if I met all
> the technical requirements (SSL v.2 128 bit encryption, java, javascript,
> and cookies). I then told the gentleman "What if our public roads had a
> requirement that only allowed Ford vehicles to travel on them?" This is
> about open standards and commercial interests in our system have a vested
> interest in locking every product but their own out. He asked me tho hold
> while get discovered the sysadmin department.
>
> After a few minutes Julie came on the line (before I started any spiel) and
> said "Oh, you're one of those! You're trying to protect freedom for users.
> My boyfriend is running linux at home." Needless to say I had a very
> responsive audience and took full advantage of it. ;) She told me I could
> fill out the form with her on the phone and I told her I could change the
> browser identification to basically lied about my OS and she said that
> would be like hacking though. I said "No it would be like me calling you
> right now and if the government had a policy of only talking to white
> people, saying that I was not black to get service." She thanked me over
> and over for telling her about this and got my phone number, email, website
> (I volunteered
>
http://plug.ca ), and that someone would get back to me.
>
> I would encourage everyone to call and politely demand the website not
> check the Operating System if all other check are passed. :P
>
> Jason
>
> On Wednesday 03 May 2006 10:55 pm, Richard Houston wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > Here is an exchange i am involved with on the CivicAccess mailing list.
> > I wanted to post it to the plug list for those of you who maybe
> > interested and are not on the civicaccess mailing list.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Rich
> >
> > --------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
> > Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Canada Census on line - GOSLING -
> > Russell From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <
[hidden email]>
> > Date: Wed, May 3, 2006 10:11 pm
> > To:
[hidden email]
> > "civicaccess discuss" <
[hidden email]>
> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Russell can you help Richard out? Could you share on your knowledge on
> > the list regarding this question?
> >
> > Russell is with - Getting Open Source Logic INto Governments (GOSLING)
> > see his bio on the wiki -
http://civicaccess.ca/wiki/RussellMcOrmond> >
> > Do other people on the list work on this?
> >
> > Richard Houston wrote:
> > > Hey all,
> > >
> > > Not sure if this falls into civicaccess's mandate but I figured I would
> > > pass it on.
> > >
> > > Today I tried to fill out my census info on-line (www.census2006.ca).
> > > When I tried to get started I got this
> > >
> > > "Your browser does not meet the minimum requirements to access this
> > > site
> > >
> > > The current version of browser you are using is not supported by this
> >
> > site.
> >
> > > To download a supported version of browser, please refer to: To
> > > download the required software. If you do not wish to download a new
> > > browser, you can complete your paper questionnaire and return it by
> > > mail in the envelope provided."
> > >
> > > So I called the help desk. I asked them why I get this messages and
> > > that I met all the requirements with one small exception. I was on
> > > Linux. I was told that Linux was not supported and I would have to use
> > > Windows or Mac to access the site. I asked him why this was and the
> > > help desk guy told me that as Linux was not all that popular so it was
> > > not supported and would not likely be supported anytime soon. I took
> > > some time to try and educate this gentleman about how the Internet
> > > should not have a specific operating system requirement but I don't
> > > think he was really listening or cared.
> > >
> > > Is there any one I can contact on this in the government or is there a
> > > anything the group can do to bring open standers argument to Census
> > > Canada's website? As this is census update time I am sure that there
> > > are other Linux users out there that are having issues. I am not
> > > pushing a Linux agenda here but I am pushing for open standards for the
> > > government of Canada's website.
> > >
> > > I know the group is just starting to get going but is this maybe a good
> > > starting point for some action?
> > >
> > > If not any help in pointing me in the direction of someone I can
> > > contact to complain would be much appreciated.
> > >
> > > +------------------------------------+
> > > Best regards,
> > > -Richard Houston
> > > -R.L.H. Consulting
> > > -E-Mail
[hidden email]
> > > -WWW
http://www.rlhc.net> > > -Blog
http://www.rlhc.net/blog/> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > CivicAccess-discuss mailing list
> > >
[hidden email]
> > >
http://civicaccess.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss_civicaccess.
> > >ca
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Sparkplug mailing list
> >
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> >
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