MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-06-14 |
| FROM | Dave Williams
|
| SUBJECT | Re: [hangout] Embrace and...
|
I have to agree that the GNU/Free Software movement could use some
dynamic leadership.
ESR and Perens' Open Source Initiative has been successful at
popularizing itself because it plays to the middle -- the kind of
agreeable centrist approach that can help you make friends and get your
picture in the paper, but ultimately accomplishes little.
What's worse, it's an easy bandwagon for a careerist like Tony Stanco to
jump on. If he genuinely believes a government shouldn't choose Open
Source Software because of "unfairness" he shouldn't be involved in Open
Source advocacy. After all, it was "unfair" to exclude Microsoft from
an Open Source conference, even though they still don't qualify for
inclusion. And, as expected, Microsoft was the sole object of
discussion in the technology press. If, on the other hand, he has
personal contacts in government, business and GWU that demand he make
cautious middle-of-the-road statements about Open Source, he should
definitely not be connected to the movement.
This seems so obvious that the rationalizations people like Perens
commit to justify Stanco's participation are both entertaining and
pathetic -- kind of like watching acrobats who keep falling into the
net.
GNU/FSF has a clear, well-defined position on software and "intellectual
property". If Bradley Kuhn cannot bring himself to represent it he
should stick with his day job. If Richard is too focused on the minutia
of software development then someone should be retained to publicly
represent the organization. Already some idiot European MP is
criticizing his recent speech against software patents. Who will
respond?
Someone who clearly understands Free Software and can tirelessly,
dynamically represent it at every level (not just grass-roots groups and
invitation-only conferences), responding to every challenge with clarity
and certainty, is desperately needed.
Playing political games and doing things half-assed has lead to Free
Software being marginalized and Open Source being hijacked to the point
of ineffectiveness.
On Sat, 2003-06-14 at 19:16, Ruben Safir Secretary NYLXS wrote:
> I'm sick of this. The ineffectiveness of the FSF at
> defending Free Software has cost me a lot of money.
>
> Rich - keep investigating the truthfulness and specifics
> miopic points in press releases, and you'll prevent Free Software
> from ever providing a sound financial foundation for those who
> use it and work with it.
>
> In your mind, Free Software is tool for a few dozen select
> programmers to work on part time, rather than the full-time
> foundation for the information technologoies infrastructure
> in which it should be. I'm so fustrated with things at this
> point, I can't express it any more.
>
> Neither Stanco or Perens are of any help or friends of Free Software.
> They are both selfish people who are driving Free Software into
> oblivion. Why am I bothing to educate people to use Free Software
> when they will starve their families in the future if they decide
> to use it? Is everyone supposed to live out of a suite case, or
> are we supposed to raise our children and feed and educate them
> as well.
>
> If I don't see a stronger stand for the economic developement of
> Free Software, and a hardened stand against the use of priority
> software, I'm going to recommend to the organization to change
> all the GNU/Linux statements back to plain Linux...
>
> There is no point in protecting the GNU identitity to the system
> if it is not doesn't MEAN something.
>
> If Brazil is willing to use 80% of their systems with Free Software,
> who the HELL is Tony Stanco to sell the world on something different.
>
> This guy is scum.
>
> It is REALLY that simple. And Brad was WRONG to show up at egovos
>
> This is BS that any individual with an office like Brad can pretend
> that he can show up as a private citizens. He is NEVER a 'private'
> person when holding the office. The FSF Office walks with him.
>
> If he wants to have a 'private' life, he needs to resign the office.
>
> Ruben
____________________________
NYLXS: New Yorker Free Software Users Scene
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