Re: GNU/Linux in a binary world... a doomsday scenario

[Helge Hafting <helgehaf@aitel.hist.no>]

On Sat, Dec 10, 2005 at 12:06:54AM -0700, Jeff V. Merkey wrote:
> Richard M. Stallman wrote:
> 
> >   > No proprietary software here, excluding things such as firmware/BIOS 
> >   where
> >   > there is no choice.
> >
> >   Why 'excluding'? You can't deny you are using proprietary software.
> >   Neither do us.
> >
> >The FSF chose, for its newest server, a machine that supports a
> >free BIOS.  You can make such choices too.
> >
> >We are also trying to help the work to support free BIOS on a laptop
> >so that my next laptop can run a free BIOS.  There are surely ways you
> >can help, too, if you want to be constructive.
> > 
> >
> "constructive" is a for profit model that sustains the hi tech 
> industry.    The current
> models have created a conduit for socialist disintegration of the 
> american hi tech
> markets, loss of jobs, and have funnelled technology out of the 
> country.  Legal

The hi-tech industry can sustain itself just fine selling _hardware_.
Wether it does so from America or elsewhere isn't all that interesting,
although it may be an indication of wich countries that have 
competitive advantages - and which have disadvantages. Open source
software is not a problem here, it certainly takes a bite out of
_software_ markets but the effect is the same on every country. 
It is generally a good thing, not having to pay for software
means more money for hardware (or non-computer stuff.) The money
is still spent though - so no ill effects for the economy.  But
a nice effect for users - who gets more "other stuff" without 
loosing software. 


> defense funds should be the biggest red flags of all.  If this system 
> you devised really
> works, why all the litigation?  Why all the need for legal defense funds 
> and patent
> infringement insurance?   

Isn't that something that you have to have in american business today,
wether you run the FSF or some more ordinary company?

> I've watched the entire market slowly collapse 
> over the years
> as the result of the affect of the GPL on America's hi tech markets. 
> 
Really?  90% still uses windows, it is not as if paid software 
dwindled much yet . . .

> It isn't working, and it isn't sustainable.  non-profit and "temples" of 

Certainly sustainable.  You can usually not make a living programming free
sw _only_, but there is support, there is hw sales, there is working
with something different having free sw as a hobby only.

> GPL "religion"
> have evolved, with the leaders living in orgnaizations that subsist from 
> handouts and
> donations.   This movement has spawned a global attitude that has no 
> respect
> for IP rights, and it's extended itself to no respect for human rights, 
> or any other rights
> of the indivdual.    That's the legacy this has left and the ultimate 
> conclusion.

Less respect for IP rights - possibly.  Perhaps that's a good thing though,
some of us thinks such rights are a bit overrated.

Helge Hafting