With the alpha release due out in less than a fortnight, work on Fedora 14 is progressing apace. Part of that includes the invention of a release slogan, a short imperative that reflect[s] the idea that Fedora helps the user achieve something great and touches on the theme of emergence.

I’ve suggested a few ideas:

Sum to infinity

One for maths geeks, perhaps, this is associated with a progression. It links to the idea of emergence as being something more than the sum of parts, while also referring to Fedora’s more general symbolic use of infinity. Thinking visually, it offers the opportunity for stylisation as inF14ity, or inFin14y.

Emerge greater

At the time I thought of this, and the shorter alternative Emerge, I was surprised that no one else had used the verb in a suggestion—given the release’s theme—wondering whether it was being purposefully avoided as ‘too obvious’. My surprise was returned to its box, however, when I revisited the wiki to add my new suggestions: the most recent slogan was Emerge!

Be more

I’ve read that the best advertising isn’t rational, but emotive. So don’t just use Fedora, be it. This is hardly a new concept. Though they use convenient contractions, both Apple and Windows adverts have characters telling us I am a PC, I am a Mac. But beyond that, it meets the brief. Consciousness—being—is seen as an emergent property. And while it can stand alone, it also invites the question Be more what? This offers the opportunity to tie in with long-copy promotional material that can answer the question: Be more adventurous, more creative, more connected, more productive [etc.] Be Fedora 14. Or maybe just Be Fedora. This highlights that Fedora is more than just software; it’s a community, it’s ideas, and yet more. And you can be a part of it, adding to the greater whole.

Got another idea to promote Fedora? Then check that it meets the ground rules, and add it to the slogan wiki page.