[IAEP] FSF attitude to xo and sugar

[Tomeu Vizoso]

On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 14:08, Bill Kerr<billkerr at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 7:18 PM, Bert Freudenberg <bert at freudenbergs.de>
> wrote:
>>
>> On 28.08.2009, at 11:33, Bill Kerr wrote:
>>
>> > n Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 7:20 AM, Walter Bender
>> > <walter.bender at gmail.com> wrote:
>> >> === Sugar Digest ===
>> >> 4. The recent FSF campaign condemning the use of Windows 7 in
>> >> education (See http://windows7sins.org/) imputes OLPC in complicity
>> >> with Microsoft. It is disappointing that the FSF is not making any
>> >> constructive arguments in favor of free software alternatives to
>> >> Windows such as Sugar on GNU/Linux, which is currently shipped on
>> >> every machine distributed by OLPC.
>> >
>> > http://windows7sins.org/#1
>> > When I first saw it I interpreted that page as contrasting the xo as
>> > a positive alternative to Windows (and still think that is a valid
>> > interpretation)
>> >
>> > When I read what walter wrote above later I was shocked to realise
>> > that it could indeed be interpreted the way walter has, as well
>> >
>> > On revisiting I can't see any clarifying text there
>>
>> You need to click the "Learn more" link next to the XO picture.
>>
>> Citing from that concoction:
>>
>> "As a result, it is expected that the main effect of the OLPC project
>> -- if it succeeds -- will be to turn millions of children into
>> Microsoft dependents. That is a negative effect, to the point where
>> the world would be better off if the OLPC project had never existed.
>> The project tragically became yet another example of Microsoft
>> exerting its control to ends harmful to society's freedom."
>>
>> It's tragic how they undermine their allies' efforts in their blind
>> zealousness.
>
> I see it now, thanks Bert. I agree, it's far too zealous and purist. I agree
> with Luke too.
> ( I did click on that link before but it sometimes seems to just reload the
> same page)
> I do give the FSF an annual donation so I'll write to them and complain. I
> thought the over zealousness came more from some FSF supporters than the
> leadership but perhaps I was wrong.

What I think is bad about the campaign is that they say that the OLPC
project is a vector for Microsoft when the truth is that it's being a
great vector for free software, regardless of what their leaders wish
or have said in the past.