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Bitching over GPLv3?

Bitching over GPLv3?

Posted Oct 19, 2006 20:46 UTC (Thu) by vonbrand (subscriber, #4458)
In reply to: safety-critical systems can use ROM by drag
Parent article: FSF should separate GPLv3 changes (Linux.com)

The only bitching I see is from people that refused to join in on it in the first place. I mean it would be different if they joined in and became disillutioned about it and dropping out and THEN complaining. Then it would have a meaningfull impact.

Said people have repeatedly stated that they objected to the whole "anti-DRM" idea well before the whole GPLv3 process started. They have had rows with RMS (and the FSF) for ages. Why should they now forget all that and just run with the crowd, expecting to be listened to this time around?


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Bitching over GPLv3?

Posted Oct 19, 2006 21:18 UTC (Thu) by khim (subscriber, #9252) [Link]

Why should they now forget all that and just run with the crowd, expecting to be listened to this time around?

They sure don't. And I respected Linux and kernel developers while they said "If you want politics, go over to the projects which do politics. We do code" and acted like it. But when they started doing politics I've lost most of the respect and then the question why arose.

I mean: you "have had rows with RMS (and the FSF) for ages". Fine. You ignore the whole GPLv3 process since you don't believe your participation can change anything. No problem. But then you suddenly start "doing politics", you raise big stink, etc. Why ? If you can answer the question - I'm all ears.

And I remember previous "row" very well indeed. When Linus started using BitKeeper RMS said right away that it's bad decision and it's so very sad that kernel developers are using non-free software for essential things. And RMS was right back then BTW. But have you seen RMS's loud and noisy campaign titled "Let's force kernel developers to drop BitKeeper" or anything like this ? I sure don't.

It's one thing when you disagree with someone - and it's totally different thing when you slander and bad-mouth someone, sorry. Kernel developers crossed this line 2006.09.15...

Bitching over GPLv3?

Posted Oct 19, 2006 21:57 UTC (Thu) by bronson (subscriber, #4806) [Link]

Erm, where are the kernel devs bad-mouthing the FSF? Behind that link I see mostly glowing praise for the FSF, the GPL, and many of the GNU software products they have enabled. I think the kernel devs have expressed their opinion very professionally and clearly and they seem to have a good point.

Khim, if you consider this slander and bad-mouthing I do hope that you slander and bad-mouth me some time soon! :)

Bitching over GPLv3?

Posted Oct 20, 2006 7:36 UTC (Fri) by khim (subscriber, #9252) [Link]

Erm, where are the kernel devs bad-mouthing the FSF?

On Groklaw (mostly Linus), comments on other sites (including LWN), interviews, etc. But there too. You don't need dirty words to slander and bad-mouth - it's possible to do it with great politeness.

I think the kernel devs have expressed their opinion very professionally and clearly and they seem to have a good point.

May be, but after that piece (and you are right - it's quite "politically correct") it become clear that they are not content with coding. They want to play politics - but they don't like open confrontation where FSF or RMS can respond. Do you know anyone who's using (or used) such tactics ? Right: it's our dear McBride. Do you like his approach ? Do you feel it's correct approach ? Why it's good for kernel developers then ? Because they are good guys ?

Sorry but while all talks about GPLv2 is were internal discussion between kerel developers I was content and respected their right. It was open to the world - but that's just how linux development works. But when you start using "SCO tactic" (talk to the press first, to the offending party second) - all previous talks are changing colour: was they really only internals talk which become public since all talks about kernel development are public ? Or were they intended for the general public from the start ? And why they only talk to the general public - never to the FSF or RMS ?

When they accuse FSF in "a fundamental violation of the trust" I'd like to see more the just "while we may argue forcefully for our political opinions, we may not suborn or coerce others to go along with them". GPL was always political: if "The licenses for most software are designed to take away your freedom to share and change it [but GPL is different]" (the very first sentence of the GPLv2) is not political then what is political ? And promise a user who needs changes in the system will always be free to make them himself, or hire any available programmer or company to make them for him was written years before GPLv2 (let alone GPLv3) so it's kind of hard to argue that "DRM-clause" constitute "violation of trust" - I already find it quite hard to fullfill this promise without such clause ("source code for all modules" plus "the scripts used to control compilation and installation of the executable" are not enough in today's world - or so it seems).

P.S. The best summary of my thoughts:
Would I trust RMS to write a successful OS kernel? God No (see HURD)
Would I trust kernel developers to choose (let alone write) successful license? God No (see BitKeeper).

And that's about it: track record for RMS's OS kernel development is poor but track record for writing good licensed is good (not excellent due to GFDL, but if you'll compare GFDL with CCL...).

Bitching over GPLv3?

Posted Oct 20, 2006 11:59 UTC (Fri) by smitty_one_each (subscriber, #28989) [Link]

>When they accuse FSF in "a fundamental violation of the trust" I'd like to see more the just "while we may argue forcefully for our political opinions, we may not suborn or coerce others to go along with them". GPL was always political: if "The licenses for most software are designed to take away your freedom to share and change it [but GPL is different]" (the very first sentence of the GPLv2) is not political then what is political?

Are not licenses are about regulating issues of legality? If the GPL is political, are you contending that the FSF is, in fact, a political party? I have always, in my 5 or 6 years of membership, considered it a Foundation, and a *community*. I really don't buy off on RMS's philosophical/political views. Am I a bad person?

>Would I trust RMS to write a successful OS kernel?
Trust? While I may disagree with the gentleman, I wouldn't consider him dishonest or dishonorable in any way. I'll venture that, given his Lisp-sih predeliction and disinterest in mult-threaded applications (as seen in Emacs) that kernel coding simply is not to his taste. Does it strike anyone as odd that the HURD has never achieved much popularity? Maybe the GPL is a necessary, but insufficient, part of the FOSS diet, and a few more pragmatic elements had to be mixed in to achieve robust nutrition. Just sayin'.

>Would I trust kernel developers to choose (let alone write) successful license?
How about some pragmatism? BK worked, and then it didn't, and then there was git. No blood, no foul. Much publicity was enjoyed by all. Woo hoo.

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