[ppc-mobo] Re: GNU License for Hardware

[Sven LUTHER]

On Mon, Oct 11, 1999 at 02:33:32PM -0700, Derek J. Balling wrote:
> I have to disagree. I agree with many of Richard's concepts, (although I 
> still don't call it GNU/Linux *G*) but for hardware I have to seriously 
> disagree.
> 
> "Free", in today's society, when attached to hardware, will have lots of 
> confusion when it comes to things like FreePC, and the myriad of other 
> "Free [as in beer] PC" deals. These deals have a distinct possibility of 
> turning bad (there have already been several less-than-complimentary 
> articles on this topic). Confusion is bad, especially when your excellent 
> idea can be confused with a marketing ploy which goes horribly sour.
> 
> My $0.02 worth.
> 
> d
> 
> At 03:00 PM 10/11/99 -0600, Richard Stallman wrote:
> >If you are inspired by the GNU Project and the Free Software movement,
> >I hope you will choose a name that refers to freedom.  The word "open"
> >calls to mind the Open Source movement, which differs from the Free
> >Software movement in rejecting all talk of freedom, principle and
> >other non-material benefits.
> >
> >See http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html.
> 

Sure, but what is the meaning trailed with the "open" word in todays hardware
world ? It is used by everyone for everything, without the sense that we want,
isn't it ?

Even in the software world it is not free of false usage, were not the open
group using it for some rather closed/non-free stuff ? Sure joe of the street
who never heard of unix before will surely not be aware of that, but when we
talk about people willing to work on hardware, we face a more knowledgeable
crow. ...

Friendly,

Sven LUTHER