[Fsf-india] What is the goal of FSF-India

Khuzaima A. Lakdawala klak@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in
13 Apr 2002 11:20:54 +0530


> 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.

On the contrary, sacrificing the future for short-term gains in the
present in unacceptable. We will look back and curse ourselves for
being short-sighted.

Any way, the above simple exchange proves beyond any doubt that the
two goals are incompatible and conflicting. One is detrimental to the
other.

Now is a better time than ever for this list, and indeed for FSF-I, to
decide which one of the above paths it wants to adopt. So that people
who don't agree with the stated goal can respectfully depart and
carry on elsewhere. Otherwise the two camps will be continuously
bogged down in conflict without getting any work done.

I know that not all FSF-I board members read this list but I request,
no, I *plead* with the ones who do to please take this up on the board
and come out with a clear policy statement:

  What is the goal and purpose of FSF-I? To ensure the long term
  adoption of free software and aim for the day when all software will
  be free by educating people about software freedom and convincing
  them that it is the freedom that matters? Or, to propagate free
  software at any cost and my any means in order to "improve peoples'
  lives through free software" in the "present" even though such means
  may hurt, or prove fatal to, the long term prospects of free
  software?

That's a clear question begging for a clear answer. So please don't
hedge the answer.

Thank you very much.

-- 
Khuzaima A. Lakdawala