FSF Announces Corporate Patronage Program 130
Andy Tai writes "The Free Software Foundation has announced a 'Corporate Patronage Program' to allow companies to support the work of the FSF. The members already include IBM, HP, Ada Core Technologies and MySQL. Interested parties should contact Ravi Khanna."
Suggestion... (Score:5, Insightful)
The FSF should at least offer to make the company's names on its Patron sponsor [fsf.org] list linkable to the companys' websites. It is 2003 you know.
I hate having to go to Google to type in "OEone Corporation" to find out who the heck they are.
--LP
calendar (Score:1)
no links to non-free stuffs. (Score:1)
Ciaran O'Riordan
Re:Suggestion... (Score:2)
Which kinda illustrates how odd it is that these companies are publicly supporting the FSF, given that organization's opposition to proprietary software.
Time was when.... (Score:5, Interesting)
This is a delicate criticism, of course. It's not at all that where there money goes isn't important -- far from it.
But, hey, where's my "complete GNU system" (other than in arguments that various non-FSF distributions should be called GNU/Linux)?
-t
Re:Time was when.... (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Time was when.... (Score:4, Insightful)
ago, many companies are now in the business of writing free software.
Not really. Not in the comprehensive way that was once the FSF agenda. Sure, companies doing development in fairly narrow (and not infrequently private or even proprietary) areas -- but no big R&D push comperable to the effort that FSF had going. Lot's of company-oriented projects that have the hearts and minds of volunteers, though.
(And isn't that last point at least unseemly?)
The FSF is going where it's needed - providing legal support to ensure that existing free
software remains free, and providing hosting
services for volunteer-run projects.
Some of what the FSF is doing (you left out advocacy) is very important. I don't disagree about that. That's why it's a delicate criticism -- I also have a lot of respect for the FSF.
I'm not even sure that the Right Thing is for the FSF to change here -- only to raise the issue on
-t
Comment removed (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Time was when.... (Score:2, Interesting)
When you think about it, there are lots of "complete systems" that use FSF software, netbsd, freebsd, openbsd, MAC OS X, etc.
Re:Time was when.... (Score:4, Insightful)
Seriously, the FSF originally set out to make it so that you could run a completely free system, and now you can. I do it; so do many others I know.
The FSF's task now is to make sure it remains possible -- i.e. no SSSCA, no DMCA'ed .doc format, sane or relatively impotent patents, and a legal environment in which free software feels like a safe choice to managers. When we started out, the biggest threat was actually needing something that only proprietary software offered, but that's not the big threat now.
Sure, more software needs to be written, but we are writing it. The FSF looks to secure our most vulnerable points.
P.S. Debian essentially is the long-promised GNU system. The FSF dropped out of administering it pretty early, and it uses Linux not Hurd, but it is basically the promised GNU system.
Re:Time was when.... (Score:3, Insightful)
1) A legal advocacy organization
2) Giving direction on GPL related issues to the community
3) A place for authors to drop off code if they want someone to maintain it and they aren't interested anymore.
As for "com
Isnt it great? (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Isnt it great? (Score:2)
Re:Isnt it great? (Score:3, Interesting)
<capitalist>And the world needs more market - so there's more pie from which everyone can try to grab a slice.</capitalist>
I work for a commercial software developer. We build tools. Someday, those FSF hippies might build Free tools that do the job better.
Y'know what? I can live with that. Someone writes a Free tool that beats our tools? Cool! More tools means more productive softw
Re:Isnt it great? (Score:3, Insightful)
Sponsor a child similarities (Score:4, Funny)
For example:
Today, I am visiting with GNU/Linux guru Richard M. Stallman. He needs a sponsor in order to be able to afford basic human necessities, like a razor and a haircut. Not to mention, in his part of the world, there is no running water. These GNU/Linux geeks are people too, and they are deserving of our compassion. For just pennies a day, you can make a difference.
GF.
yep (Score:2)
I think private donatinos would be better attained by selling cool t-shirts and such. I'd buy some Debian ones; I have nearly every cool one in ThinkGeek stock.
Support a very worth cause. (Score:3, Insightful)
Here's hoping that both companies and individuals support it by the bucketload.
____________
Linux Hosting! $3 a Month! Cheap Web Site Hosting [cheap-web-...ing.com.au]
Ooo... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Ooo... (Score:1)
Re:Ooo... (Score:2, Interesting)
Anyway, my point is, I'd be surprised if Micro
Re:Ooo... (Score:2)
That "Giving Campaign" encourages donations to charitable organizations with a 100% match by Microsoft of any employee donation. The only restriction is it can't be a purely religious organization [...]
MS may balk at matching funds when they find out about St. IGNUtius [owlriver.com].GNU/IBM (Score:3, Funny)
it had to be said.
this is a good thing (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:1)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:1)
Simply, being "convicted" of violating one of millions of stupid laws is (often) of no more substance than speeding. As to whether or not they should be trusted, if it is your money, trust nobody (or "Trust but verify." - you get the point - few guarantees).
My point remains: You want to get away from charges of communism, then stop needless attacks on somewhat-free enterprises. You may also want to learn some free-market theory to learn why charges "anti-competive
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:1)
This gets back to my basic point. If you don't want to people spreading FUD&LIES about Unix, then don't do it about Windows. Computers are availabe (from Wal-Mart, no less) without Windows and have been for as long as the invention of the computer. You simply are not telling the truth. Besides, "tax" is not the appropriate word in this instance. Annoya
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:1)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
All of the major OEMs are under these a
Re:this is a good thing (Score:1)
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. [objectivistcenter.org]
By Ron Chernow
ISBN:0679438084
Chernow labors mightily to set Standard's commercial accomplishments reasonably straight. He identifies correctly the factors that account for the early growth of the firm (entrepreneurship, economies of scale, technological innovation) and its ability to maintain market leadership. He also identifies correctly the changing market conditions
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:1)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:1)
Coercive monopolies (which you will shortly misinterpret) are a problem, e.g., the government theft (err, regulation) of the electromagnetic spectrum. Being IP, you ought not even use the monopoly terminology towards MSFT unless you wish to join the anti-piracy statists who will restrict any freedom to insure y
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
Furthermore, MS has done everything to make it difficult for people to switch from Windows to other OS'; a prime example is their
MS is a monopoly. The courts have found that, so anything you say to the contrary is pure bullshit. The courts have also found that MS abused its monopoly status and used anti-competitive tactics (e.g., blackballing OEMs to n
Re:this is a good thing (Score:1)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
The FSF putting out a call for donations suddenly proves they aren't communists?
I don't get it, where is the logic in that?
Re:this is a good thing (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
FSF's Corporate Patrons can display the Patronage logo on their materials and website, will be listed on FSF's Corporate Patronage website (http://patron.fsf.org/), will receive two free hours of consulting from FSF's GPL Compliance Lab, and will receive two complimentary passes to FSF-sponsored seminars.
Furthermore, in case you're totally clueless, corporations fund these sort of things partially for
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
Tell ya what, instead of predicting the future why don't you tell us all when they're actually successful?
I'm so very tired of Linux losers hyping up their failed crap.
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
Re:this is a good thing (Score:2)
and microsoft should announce (Score:3, Funny)
I'm opposed. (Score:3, Funny)
What a deal! (Score:1, Troll)
Wow, two free hours of RMS insisting that "it's correctly termed GNU/Linux -- here, read this 85 point manifesto."
It's a nice chunk of change they've picked up, though. Looking at their rates [fsf.org] [fsf.org], that's $10,000 each from IBM and HP, and probably $500 each from the others. I wonder if they really got that much or if they offe
Re:What a deal! (Score:1)
> correctly termed GNU/Linux
RMS doesn't run the GPL compliance lab, that's David "Novalis" Turners job. RMS mostly meets politicians in America, Europe, and india. In between those engagements he gives many many speeches.
> that's $10,000 each from IBM and HP [...]
> I wonder if they really got that much or if they
> offered a discount to get the ball rolling.
I doubt they were offered a discount and I doubt
they would ask for one. IBM and HP
This is good, but (Score:1)
Oh the Irony (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Oh the Irony (Score:2, Insightful)
Is it not at least possible that IBM has decided that, under current IP laws, it makes sense to grab as many patents as possible, but that it would also make sense to loosen IP laws?
If you're convinced that you're the smartest guy on the block, this is an appropriate stance to take. After all, if nobody can understand your technology better than you, you won't lose much by letting other people use it as long as you can use theirs (which, presumably, you'll soon be able
No irony - FSF isn't anti-patent (Score:3, Informative)
Now, the League for Programming Freedom [mit.edu] has a completely different take on the topic. Since it can be hard to tell its core members from those of the FSF, you're excused from the mistake this time
When Will VA Software Be Donating? (Score:1, Interesting)
They tried, RMS said no. (Score:1)
In hindsight, RMS might have been the smarter investor!
Another KDE League? (Score:1, Interesting)
is it worth it? (Score:1)
Seriously... (Score:2)
Re:Seriously... (Score:3, Funny)
Why the hell should the FSF throw out 15+ years of brand recognition on the say-so of someone called "Eric_Cartman_South_P?"
Now that you mention it, the bald eagle is ugly. And "bald" suggests old. We'd better change the national seal RIGHT NOW!
Re:Seriously... (Score:3, Interesting)
Thanks... I know. Many times what I see as fun dry sarcasm (the false naivety of not knowing the GNU logo, as reflected in my original post) gets across as simply idiotic. That's the risk I take when I type first and think second, maybe?
As much as I love GNU/FSF and enjoy the fruits of their labor, I think that in the real world, acceptance by companies and customers and clients el. al. involves MARKETING. And as far as that goes, IMHO the GNU logo is rather; w
Re:Seriously... (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Seriously... (Score:2)
You are kidding, right? The FSF has more "brand recognition" than many companies 20 times their size. In the software world who hasn't heard of RMS?
Yes, they have some cheesy logos. On the other hand, Disney's mascot is a rat, your point?
Re:Seriously... (Score:1)
Re:Seriously... (Score:1)
I coded my site and did all my graphics and the simple yet crisp look of the page IMO is sweet. But! Putting that GNU head on my front page is not going to happen...
Personally, I'm quite fond of the "Boar's head,", but I can see why you wouldn't want it on your site. However, That's the GNU logo. You say you want to support the FSF on your site - well how about you put up the Free Software Foundation logo [gnu.org]. That's fairly clean and professional looking.
Re:Seriously... (Score:1)
Re:Seriously... (Score:2)
I'm serious - The GIMP is an excellent piece of software (even if it's not as powerful as Photoshop), and I use it all the time,
Re:Seriously... (Score:2)
Money Money Money (Score:2)
Its ALL about the Ben Franklins.
I love programs like this (Score:2)
Hell, you can even help friends get mercury fileshack service these days. They just added a referal system. Shameless plug for mercury / fileshack (demos, patches, movies, clips, and a whole lot of fun etc. -- fast and cheap. Still available for free, but pay a few bucks for no lines and faster
An irrational racist's reaction... (Score:1)
Ravi Khanna? What kind of name is that?!
It sounds arab, and *MY* company doesn't support terrorist organizations! We can't take the risk that General Asscroft may raid the FSF and seize *our* assets too!
</humor impaired>
--
Re:An irrational racist's reaction... (Score:1)
--
Good move -- but what does the FSF really do? (Score:2, Insightful)
I believe this should be particularly alarming to software authors who assign copyrights to the
Here's what they do: Here's their employees (Score:1)
I was at the FSF annual associate member meeting in February and I met some of the staff.
GPL Compliance guy: David "Novalis" Turner
Copyright Assignment Clerk: Jessica Natale
Free Software Directory (catalogger): Janet Casey
GNU Press/Business manager: Lisa "Opus" Goldstein
Speeches & talking to Politicians: RMS
Speeches & lawyering/GPL thinking: Eben Moglen
Excutive Director: Bradley Kuhn
Treasurer:
Sys admin (internal + savannah&maillists): Can't-remember
Can't-r
Re:Here's what they do: Here's their employees (Score:1)
Ciaran O'Riordan
International structure (Score:4, Interesting)
On FOSDEM, FSF Europe was present, as well as RMS. While the FSFE was doing its own campaign, RMS was handing "FSF Associate Membership Sign-up" cards, with all the numbers in dollars on it and the address in Boston.
While Free Software is an international thing, I'd like to see some kind of representation back from where the funds came. For instance, spending high $$ on fighting American law structures is just so-and-so relevant to me, as long as the Netherlands/ Europe have their own situation.
I think that if the FSF would be willing to accept international donations in general, it should also take some time to explain how it benefits people outside of America (or how it doesn't, I don't care if it advertises well, but I'd like to get the picture), and how a donation to the American "chapter" affects the FSF Europe or another local chapter.
OTOH, if the FSF wants Europeans to become a member of the FSF Europe instead, to better support that organisation and local issues, they should also make that clear.
Just my 2 eurocents.
Ironic (Score:1)
"RIAA announces new Corporate Patronage Program."
Those companies would immediately be on
Perhaps it will turn out well. But perhaps not. Robert Johnson sold his sould to the devil to be the best guitar player around.
These Corporate Patrons have agendas that aren't open, that will be pursued via their now substantial support of the few lawyers around who give a hoot about free software. Woe be the FSF whe
Re:The US government.. (Score:2)
Re:The US government.. (Score:2)
No, RMS is not a millionaire and never was; the McArthur prize was worth $250k when he got it.
Stallman the Billionaire (Score:1)
On receiving the Taekdo award he said he would "invest" it but never elaborated any further (to my knowledge).
He lives cheaply (staying in friends houses in most countries he visits). The FSF's back account didn't shoot up when he got the money.
Either way, it's his money and