MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-02-09 |
| FROM | Ruben Safir
|
| SUBJECT | Re: [Marketing] Re: [hangout] Re: [fairuse] Re: E-Gov-OS conference
|
>
>
> I disgree. This is an event aimed at government bureaucrats that has
> considerable long-term political implications. As lessig says "code is
> law", and we are defining the democratic landscape of the information age.
While this event is aimed at government, it is still a basic marketing forum for
Free Software. It does not have any long term implications unless Free Software
people make money from contracts. Free Software Policy is a matter for other
forums, like the proper congressional overite committees and such.
>
> The Microsoft talk may be obviously off-topic, but it is not like
> everyone else is 100% on-board with Free Software. There is also "Dave
> Boutcher, IBM, Managing Open Source and Proprietary in one Organization"
> - is IBM to be boycotted as well? I think the IBM stance on patents is as
> opposing to FLOSS as the Microsoft stance on NDAs
I have no idea what FLOSS is, but you ask a good question in regards to IBM
and Sun.
The differnece between IBM and Microsoft was outlined in my previous
letter on this topic. Letting IBM speak at this conference doesn't
let IBM off the hook on certain IBM policies. But IBM has in the past,
and will in the future, make substantial contributions to Free Software.
In addition, they are likely the largest empoyer of Free Software people
in NYC at this time. They have earned a right to considered part of the
community.
Microsoft has not.
>
> The optics of the community excluding them would work in their favor.
> This is a political game we are playing, whether everyone wants to
> recognize it or not.
No it wouldn't. Cutting them off with a clear and articulate message
as to the reasons, and a willingness to debate them in OTHER forums,
such as when Richard took on MS at NYU, would burry Microsofts attempt
to upsurp the movement.
I believe your not thinking clearly about this. MS employees more people
than ALL the lugs combined in the US and Canada.
> Richard Stallman is exactly the wrong person for a debate.
Richard is a fine person for debate. Without Richard' doggedness in these
matters, we wouldn't be having this debate.
And he would not be alone on the panel.
> I have seen
> him talk in person once (I co-spoke with him at a Global Community
> Networks conference in Montreal), and found that he made things worse not
> better. I've heard the same thing from many others.
>
>
> Richard is perfect for further motivating people who already largely
> agree. When 'the enemy' shows up, his emotions take over and this is a
> disaster.
Not when I'm there.
>
> And we disagree with you on this, and believe that many (and likely
> most) would think that.
Well, you would be wrong. It happens every day all around the Free World.
BTW - You've only seen a VERY small part of my work on your list, and
in that list I only have one or two objectives, mostly protecting the NY Fair Use Brand.
If MS wants to have a voice, they should be made to join a debate in NYC where everyone
knows what is happening. It should not be done at a marketing seminar for Open Source
products.
Dr Safir
--
__________________________
Brooklyn Linux Solutions
__________________________
DRM is THEFT - We are the STAKEHOLDERS http://fairuse.nylxs.com
http://www.mrbrklyn.com - Consulting
http://www.inns.net <-- Happy Clients
http://www.nylxs.com - Leadership Development in Free Software
http://www2.mrbrklyn.com/resources - Unpublished Archive or stories and articles from around the net
http://www2.mrbrklyn.com/downtown.html - See the New Downtown Brooklyn....
1-718-382-0585
____________________________
New Yorker Free Software Users Scene
Fair Use -
because it's either fair use or useless....
|
|
