[Fsf-india] Four more questions...
Raju Mathur
raju@linux-delhi.org
Fri, 12 Apr 2002 16:47:45 +0530
>>>>> "KLAK" == Khuzaima A Lakdawala <klak@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in> writes:
KLAK> It seems that this list is losing focus. Instead of finding
KLAK> better ways to educate people about Software Freedom, we are
KLAK> coming up with excuses for not doing so.
KLAK> What is our goal? To propagate Free Software at any cost to
KLAK> get some short term gratification in numbers? Or to lay a
KLAK> strong foundation of Software Freedom to ensure the long
KLAK> term success of Free Software?
Is long-term success of free software a goal in itself? If that is
the case I have no more to say. OTOH if the main goal is to improve
peoples' lives through free software then, as I said earlier,
sacrificing the present for the future is not an acceptable
methodology.
KLAK> These two goals are conflicting and definitely *not*
KLAK> complementary as some would like us to believe. The first
KLAK> smacks of compromise. And compromises are dangerous,
KLAK> suicidal, for idealistic movements. You make one and you are
KLAK> tempted to make another, and another, till you reach the
KLAK> point where the original ideals of the movement get
KLAK> completely fudged and unrecognizable.
KLAK> And no, Free Software does not claim to have all the
KLAK> answers. Especially to twisted questions loaded with suspect
KLAK> economics.
KLAK> It's time we collectively set an agenda for this list. It's
KLAK> time the FSF Board takes some initiative in this matter to
KLAK> ensure that free software advocates are not made to enter
KLAK> into frequent skirmishes just to put across the most basic
KLAK> and fundamental issues of Software Freedom. Our resources
KLAK> should be used for sharpening our advocacy, not diluting it.
Trying to remember who started this particular ``skirmish''...
Regards,
-- Raju
--
Raju Mathur raju@kandalaya.org http://kandalaya.org/
It is the mind that moves