There are two major Linux distributions available which are not compatible to each other. Fedora works with a different packager manager than Debian, and the kernel patches and the GUI looks different. The difference can be emphasized more, if we are focus on the conferences around the operating system. Which means, the Debconf series has a different schedule then a conference about Fedora.
The good news is, that the difference can be explained very well. Debian and Ubuntu conference are made from enduser for endusers. A typical topic is who to use Gimp to paint an image, or how to install a SQL database with Linux. The point of view is from a user perspective which is sitting in front of a workstation or server and is trying to make something useful with the machine. In contrast, the Fedora world is about improving the software, which means to fix existing problems in the Linux kernel and to maintain the systemd sourcecode. This explains where the confusion comes from. A talk about the internals of the Linux kernel is offtopic at the Debconf conference, while a talk about how to switch from Microsoft WIndows Office to LibreOffice is offtopic at a Fedora related conference.
The interesting point of view is, that both topics has to do with Linux and Open Source software, but they are not fitting in a certain Linux community. That means, Fedora is interested in the sourcecode and how to program an operating system while Debian is interested in the Open Source movement and how to support the enduser.
The prediction is, that the difference between Fedora and Debian is so big, that both communities aren't able to combine their strength, but they will work against each other. Which means, they have nothing to say to the other side and there is need for two Linux communities and two Linux distributions. It seems that the divide between programmers and enduser is available in the Open source world as well. That means, the total amount of Linux user is greater than the number of programmers who are contributing patches to the Kernel. Red Hat and Fedora can be interpreted as the core of the Linux development. It's the place where the software is created. Ubuntu and Debian can be described as user-community which is trying to install, document and teach the Linux operating system to the public. They are doing all the marketing.
Debian and Ubuntu was the driving force behind the success of Linux. They have put Linux to the desktop, they have pushed Linux into the mainstream. The reason why is because Debian and Ubuntu speaks the same language like the enduser. On the other hand, Fedora and Red Hat have created the Linux software. They make sure, that important developments like the ext4 filesystem, the systemd modules and the wayland display server were realized in C code.
The different social roles can be compared with the company structure of Microsoft. Microsoft has at least two divisions: One marketing department, which is writing the manuals, which are writing the press releases and which gives the interviews in the media. And the other division which is a bit in the background is the engineering section, in which programmers are creating the software and improve the code.´
It's important to understand, that the Debian community doesn't provide software but they are asking for technology. That means, Debian experts are the advocates of the endusers. They are asking questions like “why does the kernel boot so slowly?”, “what is wrong with the Graphics driver?”, “Why is my game doesn't work anymore?”. It's up to the Fedora community to answer these questions. This explains, why both communities can't be merged into a single one. One side is formulating a request, the other is responding to it.
The paradox situation is, that it's not possible for a normal user to switch to the Fedora distribution. Sure, he can download the ISO file from the internet and install it on the local PC, but he won't become part of the Fedora community. He will remain an ubuntu / debian user because he is using the computer as an enduser, which means by starting existing sourcecode and get upset about the latest security bugs. Even if the enduser is running Fedora Linux, he is part of the Debian community.
Debconf14
Let us go back to the Debian conference 2014 and analyze the talk of Linus Torvalds before the audience. The first fact was, that Torvalds was invited to the Debconf conference, but not the other way around. Which means, the Debian experts aren't speaking at a Fedora conference. The reason why has to do with the hierarchy. On top of the command chain stands the enduser, he is represented by Debian and Ubuntu. In contrast, kernel maintainers, programmers and other contributers have to fulfill the needs of the customer. They have a lower status.
Now we can describe the conflict at the Debconf14 in detail. The discussion at the end showed a conflict. The debian members have criticized for some reasons and they were right. In the Open source movement, the kernel programmers are nothing, and the Debian community is everything. Which means, Debian and Ubuntu have the mandate to criticize Torvalds but not the other way around. If a programmer, especially if he is very good in his job, tries to critize the enduser, or tries to question the Ubuntu project, he is out of the game. That means, he will do so only once, and then he is no longer allowed to be part of the Open Source movement.
It's important for the Debian and Ubuntu community to understand, that they are on top of the hierarchy. They are leading the Linux movement, and the kernel programmers have to obey. It's easy to identify who is higher on the hierarchy. If somebody has more contact with the enduser, then he has more power. He is allowed to criticize lower levels and explain them how to make the job.
But is the Ubuntu distribution really near to the customer? Yes they are. The askubuntu website has collected 320k questions. A similar website called askfedora isn't available. That means, Fedora doesn't know what the customer is thinking. They are not communicating to the enduser. This fact provides the natural mandate to the Ubuntu distribution to become the leader. They are the managers, especially for the Kernel programmers and gnome-developers located within the Fedora community. What does this mean? It means, that Linux developers are not allowed to critize Ubuntu or argue against it. Because then they are questioning the enduser and that is a no no. The enduser, especially the newbie, is always right.
Let us listen to the enduser. According to https://askubuntu.com/questions/1158648/audio-stuttering-crackling-in-ubuntu-18-04 the pulseaudio daemon produces a stuttering bug in the latest Ubuntu release. This tool and especially the programmer behind it should be blamed. They have made a mistake and they are in charge to fix it.
Programmers get a stage, but they aren't leading Linux
In the Linux community, many talented programmers have written sourcecode. They are contributing new C programs, make the existing one more reliable and they are writing drivers for new hardware. These programmers need a stage in which they can get applause from the audience. What the programmers and tech-experts aren't very good is leading and managing the overall Open Source movement. They play only a small part. They need a concrete task which they can fulfill and then they go back to work.
The Linux movement itself, it's growth and especially the higher decisions are made by the marketing department which is equal to Debian and Ubuntu. That's the place in which the enduser meets the Open Source community, and it's the first contact point for new users who have no experience with LInux at all. Debian and Ubuntu are providing the stage, they make conference, and they are applauding and discouraging the programmers. The future role of Linux, it's influence in the mainstream and their market share is decided by Ubuntu.
Somebody may argue, that a good product like Linux doesn't need any kind of marketing. The sourcecode is written well and more isn't needed. That is wrong, because Linux depends heavily on feedback from the users. If the users doesn't like the system anymore, it will become obsolete. Writing the software and fixing bugs is a lowlevel task. It's done by less important people in the background. The more important aspect of Linux are the spokesman and spokeswoman who give Linux a personality. Which is the Debian founder Ian Murdock, Ubuntu founder Mark Shuttleworth and Jane Silber (former CEO of Canonical Ltd)
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