MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-02-17 |
| FROM | Russell McOrmond
|
| SUBJECT | Re: [hangout] Re: [fairuse] Re: [Marketing] Re: Open Source for National and Local eGovernment Programs in the U.S. and EU
|
On 17 Feb 2003, Dave Williams wrote:
> I can't help but regard this as a necessary issue -- no one should use a
> movement for one's political advantage, or misrepresent an event while
> making deals unilaterally. Although there is little chance that the
> organizers will see the error of their ways, it is my hope that future
> self-promotion will be difficult when connected to Open Source Software
> and events will be carefully labeled to avoid misrepresentation.
You need to realize that this applies equally to those organizing a
protest as those organizing eGovOS. Those organizing a protest are no
more "representing the community" than those hosting the event, although
the event itself does appear to represent a large number of those in the
community thought of as leaders.
The opposing views have been heard. I think it is time for you to move
on. Microsoft will be at eGovOS to talk about their opposition to Free
Software via the Shared Source initiative which is the polar-opposite of
Copyleft Free Software. If you want to take the high-road you can offer
well-written pamphlets to people that clearly (and not as a rant) explain
the differences -- we are after all the folks who are known for sharing
information freely with people.
Alternatively, if you want to help make Microsoft look like 'the good
guys' and 'the stable people to work with' you can protest the organizers
of this event. This will simply be seen as in-fighting, and will show
badly on our entire movement.
There isn't much any of us can do other than ask that you put
considerable thought into any actions. I believe everyone here is trying
to promote Free Software. It should be a concern to you to hear that
others with the same goals are disagreeing that some intended actions may
backfire against that shared goal.
---
Russell McOrmond, Internet Consultant:
Any 'hardware assist' for communications, whether it be eye-glasses,
VCR's, or personal computers, must be under the control of the citizen
and not a third party. -- http://www.flora.ca/russell/
____________________________
New Yorker Free Software Users Scene
Fair Use -
because it's either fair use or useless....
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