Re: one of the many reasons why removing non-free is a dumb idea
On Wed, Jan 07, 2004 at 05:51:05PM -0600, Steve Langasek wrote:
> Could you please explain how you reconcile "restricting our users'
> freedoms is wrong" with a proposal that would reduce our users' ability
> to choose non-free software? Or, if you believe that there will be no
> (statistically significant) reduction in users' choice resulting from
> moving non-free packages to a separate infrastructure, could you please
> explain what you foresee the mechanics of this to be, in light of
> Anthony Towns' persuasive argument that creation of a separate archive
> will make substantially less efficient use of available developer
I do not believe that users' ability to choose non-free software will be
impaired. Even in the absolute worst possible scenario for them --
non-free simply perishes -- they will still be able to download and
compile (or install) the software for Debian just the same as they could
for Solaris or AIX.
Regarding the developer efficiency question, I disagree with Anthony.
However, it must be noted that neither of us have any sort of facts to
back up these beliefs, as we have never tried this before.
We can, though, learn from experience. I have been involved with
maintaining complete infrastructures outside Debian, complete with
repository and bug-tracking system (not debbugs; gnats, I think). While
doing so, I participated both with standard Debian work and with work on
the non-Debian system. I found it to be no great inconvenience at all;
a simple flick of a switch to dupload and care with GPG keys was all it
took.
Hopping between BTSs was no great trouble either; and if both can
interact via e-mail, it need not even require conscious thought.
-- John
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