[GNUz] Fwd: Academics Discuss MS vs. OSS

[Zane Gilmore]

Richard Tindall wrote:
> True. I guess what deters me is the prominent champing-at-the-GPL-bit 
> internationally. I can see the gains of Creative Commons for sharing 
> music, graphics, and other newer media. But for technese documentation 
> I'm yet to be convinced that the GFDL does not suffice; viz Wikipedia. 
> The OS$ ethic of whittling GNU out of the picture is quite rampant now - 
> as people understandably want to build coding careers with autonomy. But 
> the short term gain would be long term pain, for not-uniX, if the 
> development steam dissipates. Sand, and a line..

I think that RMS has been dissaffecting many people by his apparently 
irrational intransigence on accepting the "Open Source" handle. Like it 
or not there has been a lot more traction in getting the message out 
with that term than "Free Software".

Although I understand and agree with much of RMS's distinction between 
OSS and Free Software. There needs to be a change in the name of "Free 
Software" for it to get any traction.
For all the problems with ESR just arguing that the principles are not 
important but the results are, there is the issue that the term "Open 
Source" more accurately describes the concept of what we are about.

To most people "Free Software"== "Freeware".
Now try to explain to the average manager what the difference is.
IMO RMS is being foolish by sticking to the "Free Software" handle and 
is doing the movement a disservice.



> 
> For principled and comparative reasons, I think it is worthwhile doing 
> everything possible with GNU licensing, while we still can. Proven, 
> mature (licensing) tools - the best for the job? Philosophically based, 
> not a waste of time.

As long as the same rights etc are being given by the Creative Commons 
licence (or whatever) then what is the problem?



-- 
Zane Gilmore, Analyst / Programmer
Information Services Section, Information Technology Dept,
University of Canterbury - Te Whare Waananga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800,
Christchurch New Zealand  Phone +64-3-364 2987 extn 7895