On 14 Oct 1999, Julian Assange wrote:

> We can automatically produce a "top 40" matrix of 
> 
>         packages
>         packages vs architectures
>         packages vs os revision levels
>         number of netbsd users vs architectures
>         broken packages vs above
>         binaries packages vs above etc
> 
> We can (amazingly) boot strap the entire thing in the same way pkg_add
> is currently bootstrapped.

As one who supports the package system, I understand the goal, but as
a user, I would simply not cooperate. Consider, and try to appreciate,
the fundamental difference between the linux user and the netbsd user.
It's just not going to happen.

Besides, just because someone installs a package, doesn't mean he
likes it, or that he he uses it. These are all three orthogonal.

A more innocuous alternative might be to set up a cgi interface to a
simple database, then ask people to fill out a survey at that url.
Printing such a message after every successful install strikes me as
cheesy, but not particularly offensive. Something like what I have in
mind can be found at <http://www.macbsd.com/~spearce/>, "The MacBSD
User Survey Project".