What Does Linux Have in Common With ‘The Barrel of Rock’?
Much like Linux had trouble gaining users back in the day because the general public didn't know about it, independent online radio stations like The Barrel of Rock are having trouble finding an audience because potential listeners can't wade through tens of thousands of music radio stations to find them.
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Although that situation has changed a lot for those of us who already use Linux, it still hasn’t changed in a way that’s meaningful for those who’ve never used anything other than Windows or Mac. Sure, you can easily order machines from outfits that specialize in Linux-based computers, such as System76, Tuxedo, and Purism, but they’re targeted at those who already know and use Linux. And while it’s true that most mainline computer makers, such as Dell and HP, offer several lines of computers with Linux preinstalled, you pretty much have to know what you’re looking for to find them.
Even more importantly, you’re absolutely not going to walk into Best Buy or any other consumer-focused electronics store and find any computers with Linux preinstalled, meaning you’re still not going to learn that there’s an easy-to-use Windows alternative.
Operators of independent online radio stations say that they are finding themselves in a similar situation in their quest to attract listeners, because potential listeners can’t find them. This is a problem because radio stations have to have listeners to survive, but even with the best programing possible, they’re not going to be able to attract listeners if potential listeners can’t find them for that first listen.