Read that definition. Let it soak in.
A, typically young, person who regularly performs illegal or immoral acts.
The header image is a top hit from Google when searching for the term ‘delinquent’.
Think about it.
The definition and the image together.
That is the perception of that one word.
So then, why does Microsoft call all the Windows Insiders delinquents? Its not really a term of endearment. Its not a loving term or a teasing term. In fact, I don’t believe I have ever heard it said with anything resembling a positive demeanor.
I understand that the Windows Insider program is supposed to be fun, and as a Windows Insider, we’re supposed to go against the grain, be different. Thats not delinquency to me.
Thats being a maverick. Thats making our own way. Thats thinking different.
The other hashtag for Windows Insiders is #dontGoToJail.
When testing an operating system, I hope I am not doing anything illegal. I hope that giving feedback to Microsoft, working on Windows, letting them see the telemetry of my device, working with the community to get them excited about Windows 10, I hope none of those things are illegal.
Now, I know what it means to be judged by appearances. You see, I have a lip ring. I don’t want to take it out because its an important part of who I am. I have had everyone – from recruitment agents to people I am helping to complete strangers – ask me about it. Some in not so nice ways. And this is because of a small piece of metal I choose to wear in an unconventional place.
When working with the community, I encounter many people that aren’t as tech savvy as myself. When I proudly tell them I am a Windows Insider, and don’t get me wrong, I am very proud to be a part of this movement which has turned the whole feedback model on its head, the first thing they are going to do is Google it. And what are they going to find? References of “Dont go to jail”, “stay out of jail” and “delinquents”. When seeing that someone aligns themselves with that, what are they to think?
I can see what Microsoft is trying to do. We’re supposed to be the new breed of rebels, the new kids on the block. “Your old way of progressing doesn’t work here”. We’re supposed to #doTheThing and improve by going outside the lines, bending the rules a little to achieve great things. Microsoft is trying to make us cool, so that, by proxy, Windows is cool.
Calling us delinquents is not how you do it.
