Re: Bug#285518: misdn-utils includes a firmware loader
On Wed, Dec 15, 2004 at 11:33:30PM +0000, Matthew Garrett wrote:
> Manoj Srivastava <srivasta@debian.org> wrote:
> > Well, if you need the non-free component to be on the file
> > system, why is this different from contrib? Why can't say of
> > everything in contrib that well, if the non-free jvm were to
> > magically appear on the file system this java code would work? Or any
> > other non-free stuff that needs to be on the fs?
> The requirement for the non-free component exists, even if it isn't on
> the filesystem. What philosophical benefit is there to distinguishing
> between non-free code in a chip on a device and non-free code that
> exists on the filesystem but is executed on that device? How is the
> cause of free software advanced? How is the experience of our users
> improved?
Look Matthew, you're an intelligent fellow, but you really don't seem to
get the whole firmware argument.
If we refuse to handle non-free firmware being loaded onto devices and
require they come with it already inside then we get to play the "I
can't see it, it doesn't matter" game, which gives the purists a warm
fuzzy feeling, knowing no dirty non-free 0s and 1s live on their hard
disc.
This improves the experience for our users - they get to have the warm
fuzzy feeling too, knowing that in sacrificing the ability to use many
modern toys and gadgets they are purer of mind and body. Even better is
the fact that they doubley can't use the hardware because we're too busy
arguing about the firmware to make a release!
To be sure, to be sure -- no bread's a lot betther than half a loaf.
J.
--
101 things you can't have too much of : 44 - Fame.
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