[Sugar-devel] [IAEP] FSF attitude to xo and sugar

[Walter Bender]

On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 8:57 AM, Tomeu Vizoso<tomeu at sugarlabs.org> wrote:
> 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.
>
> From reading the FSF campaign, people are supposed to think that
> Microsoft is evil and OLPC bowed to their pressure and abandoned their
> principles. This, I think can have much less impact that if people
> learned that they can help us so more children have a great learning
> experience with free software.
>
> So I wouldn't ask FSF to stop bashing MS, I would ask them to
> publicize those projects that can have a big impact on their mission.

That is the point I was trying to make. I don't really care what FSF
does re Microsoft, but they are missing out on an opportunity to
promote a learning project that is aligned with FLOSS by ignoring
Sugar.

-walter

> Regards,
>
> Tomeu
>
> --
> «Sugar Labs is anyone who participates in improving and using Sugar.
> What Sugar Labs does is determined by the participants.» - David
> Farning
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-- 
Walter Bender
Sugar Labs
http://www.sugarlabs.org