[LBo] Linux Leader takes aim at Free Software Movment

[Stefan Waidele]

Sam Morgan schrieb:
> Linux Leader Takes Aim At Free Software Movement
> 
> <quote>
> Torvalds said the license is evolving in a way that pushes a moral 
> agenda instead of encouraging cooperation to create the best products in 
> a way that most participants will perceive as fair.
> "The GPLv3 is designed to take the FSF back to its original "good old 
> days," when "Free Software" was a war, and [Stallman] was its 
> proselytizing general," he wrote. "But the fact is, it's not a war, and 
> peaceful and happy co-existence is actually much preferable to moral 
> jihads. And that's why I think the GPLv2 is much better. It allows us 
> all to agree to just work together, without making it a religion."
> </quote>
> 
> complete story:
> http://www.linuxpipeline.com/news/191601032;jsessionid=OJLR2KLUMECZGQSNDLRCKHSCJUNN2JVN 

<rant mode="feelfree2ignore">
GPL3 requires that hardware-manufactorers may not lock hardware-owners 
out of modifying the software that runs on the hardware, if they ship 
GPL3-Software driving that hardware.

Mr. Torvalds opposes exactly this point.

Manufactorers could build DRM-systems that use GPL3 software. But they 
would not be allowed to forbid the user to remove these restrictions 
from the hardware. Note that this is not to copy music illegally. 
Replacing the OS can have many other reasons.

If you can replace the OS yourself, you are independent of the hardware 
manufactorer! Some call this freedom
.
And those who actually believe that there is "happy co-existence" should 
read Groklaw.net
Closed-Sourcers are playing hardball for quite a while, so the "new 
license" should reflect that, too.


Lynn wrote:
> I want to see Linux on a fast rise to being serious competition for
> Microsoft because it is the only way to bring them off their
> monopolistic high-horse.

One of the big advantages in the open-source movement is that developers 
care more about freedom than they care about market-share. Market-share 
is nice, but freedom is better.

> Perhaps someone can tell me if Torvalds has some real power to kill
> GPLv3 beyond his being just a kind of a moral leader.

L. Torvalds never wanted to be (and never was) a moral leader.
Hero, yes. Bright guy, yes. Archiever, yes.
But the moral leader of the free software movement is R. Stallman.

More thoughts on the topic:
http://stefan.waidele.info/2006/07/29/dear-linus/
http://www.digital-copyright.ca/node/2567

</rant>

my 0,02 €

Stefan