[Open-graphics] Discussions with Richard Stallman

[Kyle Winkler]

On 1/8/07, Hugh Fisher <hugh.fisher at anu.edu.au> wrote:
> Kyle Winkler wrote:
> > We should defiantly jump on any opportunity to team up with the FSF.  Even
> > if you don't agree with them 100%, they are very good at getting things
> > done, and they are after the same things we are.  They apparently have some
> > monetary resources as well, as they pledged $60,000 to the Free Ryzom
> > project before it failed.
>
> I strongly disagree.
>
> When this project was started, there was a long debate about
> how 'free' / 'libre' the project was. The eventual outcome
> was that we don't care what OS gets used and that the specs
> and driver code would be available to Linux, BSD, and yes
> even Microsoft Windows.
>
> That fits the definition of 'open source' rather than 'free
> software' as promoted by the FSF.

The FSF defines Free software as software that gives you the four
freedoms: (from gnu.org)

* The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
* The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your
needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for
this.
* The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
* The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to
the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access
to the source code is a precondition for this.

These are also the goals for our project.  "Free" vs "Open" in this
case is simply a matter of nomenclature, as the drivers would be both.

> I'd also point out that the FSF has a reputation, deserved
> or not, for being hostile to business interests, which may
> make it harder to find OEM/etc partners.

I don't know how.  The Web site states that the drivers will be duel
licensed, so both the Free/Open software people and "business
interests"  would be happy.  I would also argue that even a pure
GPL/LGPL solution would not be truly hostile to business interests, as
there are already many examples of people making a lot of money off of
GPL'ed code.