MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-03-12 |
| FROM | Dave Williams
|
| SUBJECT | Subject: [hangout] Re: MS cancels "Shiftpoint" forum
|
Sorry, Mr. Perens, but I think you are avoiding the issue.
No one questions your participation in the Open Source and Free Software
movements in the past. Likewise, no one doubts that you have gained
personally from your participation, as demonstrated by your public
profile.
But you still haven't answered the question of why there will be
Microsoft and Software Choice Initiative presentations at the eGovOS
conference.
As a member of the Cyber Policy Institute creating the event (as well as
the OSI), you are accountable for these choices. Your travel
requirements allowed you to avoid the issue previously, but the question
remains. Based on the conference's definitions and requirements there
is no substantial justification for these presentations, and the
possibility of harm is arguable enough to be considered.
When you talk about an unrelated conference it sounds like pandering, as
though you are uncertain of your passive role in the situation and wish
to be perceived as on the ethical side of the issue.
I don't wish to insult your intelligence by pointing this out, but it
seems to have escaped you thus far: An OS advocacy and demonstration
event is about Open Source Software, something you yourself defined. A
debate, on the other hand, involves two or more opposing viewpoints. A
marketing event can include related vendors, at the discretion of the
organizers.
If this isn't an OS Advocacy event please rename it. Better still,
clarify that fact in the conference literature. Otherwise, please don't
be surprised if people demand accountability where their personal and
professional interests are concerned.
The other day you wrote that the ability to admit one's mistakes is a
good quality (regarding the tuxedo website). If you don't believe you
have made an error in judgment, at least accept the possibility of
dissent.
- Dave
On Tue, 2003-03-11 at 21:47, Bruce Perens wrote:
> From: Ruben Safir
> > they have no creditibilty...so why are they presenting at Egov-OS?
>
> Well, let's look at what people's perceptions are after their speech
> and your protest. I remain convinced that while the people there are
> going to be interested in Microsoft's appearance, they will be smart
> enough to apply their own filters and Free Software will not be damaged.
> In contrast, I think you offer the potential to damage our own side,
> albeit only mildly.
>
> Thanks
>
> Bruce
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