From the interview with Jon “maddog” Hall:
“Alain Buret – This question is probably often
asked, but why are you called “maddog” ?“Jon Maddog Hall – My students gave me the
name. Often my arguments with the Dean of Instruction were “too hot
for maddogs and Englishmen” (from a Noel Coward play). The Dean was
british, I was the maddog.“Alain Buret – Your career is around advocating
Linux and related software : what is Linux for you ? How would you
explain this software model to a newcomer ?“Jon Maddog Hall – People contribute their time
and programming expertise to this project just like an amateur
athelete runs a race or plays a sport. They are not paid for doing
it, they just like doing it…”