the freedom to boycott non-free software
>>>>> Manoj Srivastava writes:
MS> I asked a few mails ago about what changing the mirors,
MS> procedures and other miscellaneous tasks involved in creating a
MS> new distribution buys us, and I have yet to hear any answer, let
MS> alone a compelling one.
I keep forgetting that not everybody thinks the same way I do. If I
had remembered this, I would have written this e-mail *first* rather
than now.
I think that the FSF definition of free software
(http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html) will soon include a fifth
level of freedom:
``The freedom to use the best features of the program, while
boycotting all non-free software. (freedom 4)''
This is just an approximate wording... I'm sure there'll be better
words for it later. Note that this will put the GNU definition of
Free Software in direct conflict with Open Source(tm). Many suits
will not be pleased.
In that world, my vote will look like this (because I'm very, very
radical):
[1] ACCEPT freedom to boycott, and change the DFSG accordingly
[2] ACCEPT freedom to boycott, but only change the definition of `main'
[3] ACCEPT freedom to boycott, but only create a `pure' subset of `main'
[ ] REJECT freedom to boycott, and maintain the status quo
[ ] REJECT freedom to boycott, and ban all future discussion
[4] FURTHER DISCUSSION
Last week, the FSF hired me to coordinate the release of GNU 1.0, and
I, personally, would like it to be *Debian* GNU 1.0.
If GNU accepts the freedom to boycott, but Debian chooses to reject
it, then I will have no choice but to fork a new distribution, and
encourage people to leave Debian. :(
I think that's a highly unlikely scenario, though... there are so many
different ways we can accept the freedom to boycott.
And, conveniently, saying that puts me in a position to fully justify
everything I've written on debian-policy so far:
1) Read the first message I wrote (`Hey! Why does everybody love
flaming so much? [was: `pure']'). Note my polite rationalism.
2) Read Joseph's reply. Note his condescending irrationalism.
3) Read my reply to his reply. Note my slightly irritated
rationalism.
4) Read his reply to my reply. Note his continued condescending
irrationalism.
5) Read my reply to his reply to my reply (`Public humiliation of
Joseph Carter'). Note my anger at his irrational condescension. Note
my carefully-measured use of obscenity in order to try to help get him
out of his rut.
6) Read the little phrase I attach to the bottom left hand corner of
every e-mail I write.
7) Read as many other of my messages as you'd like. Decide for
yourself if you want to put me in your kill file.
Q.E.D.
--
Gordon Matzigkeit <gord@fig.org> //\ I'm a FIG (http://www.fig.org/)
Committed to freedom and diversity \// I use GNU (http://www.gnu.org/)
Reply to: