Bruce Perens on the Status of Open Source

Lars Lehtonen writes to tell us that Bruce Perens has posted the text of his LinuxWorld press conference. In his talk he takes a look at many of the hot topics surrounding the open source community including ODF, NTP vs RIM, and GPLv3. From the article: "It's interesting to note that Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist implicated in scandal with Republican Tom Delay, was employed by Bill Gates' dad's law firm "Preston Gates", a political proxy for Microsoft. Microsoft succeeded in lobbying both Republicans and Democrats to oppose ODF."

Desktop Linux

[mOOzilla]

So, is this the year of Desktop Linux?

Don't forget serial killers

[The Bungi]

When they finally catch the Zodiac Killer I'm sure Bruce Perens will try to find a "Microsoft angle" to him as well.

This is nothing but FUD that plays right into the scandal of the day. Perens needs to provide some proof that Abramoff was directly involved in the ODF issue as part of a lobbying effort by Microsoft, Gate's dad or the Easter Bunny. Otherwise I'd say he needs to keep his conspiracy theories to himself.

Re:ODF

[_Sprocket_]

A quick Google for "ODF" would indicate that it has something to do with either the Oregon Department of Forestry or something called the Open Document Format. Choosing between the two should be a fairly easy exercise for the reader. You should be able to surmise that in the context of Open Source and software in general, of the two, its most likely the Open Document Format. Unless, of course, you got caught up in the belief that there really IS a Lumber Cartel.

Re:Desktop Linux

[cmacb]

"So, is this the year of Desktop Linux?"

Don't be silly! 2002 was the year of desktop Linux. The vast majority of people are now happily using Linux on their desktop, and Microsoft is deparately trying to grab back market share with Vista. Plus, I've heard the new Apple computers will now dual boot to Linux. They have to, after all thats where all the applications are now. Windows, really is going to be relegated to controller applications for cell phones and CD players. Its days as a full-sized computer OS are numbered.

Oh... and Sony is going to buy Microsoft. I read it just today on Slashdot.

Re:Desktop Linux

[Anonymous Coward]

That depends. Year is relative to what planet you're from...

Re:is this really necessary?

[babbling]

Wow. I think you've discovered a way to go from -1 troll to +5 insightful.

Hang on, let me see if I can go from -1 redundant to +5 funny...

(now watch as I get modded redundant...)

Re:Jack Abramoff?

[Anonymous Coward]

More importantly, why did his parents name him Jack when his last name ends in off?

Re:STFU Bruce and write some code ......

[Bruce Perens]

You can tell those "write some code" trolls: I published ModelSecurity, substantial Free Software, in 2005 and am working on other programs now. In 2005 I also published in Law (speech accepted for an American Bar Association conference) and Economics (on First Monday), and spoke in front of the UN.

Bruce

Re:Mistaking "interesting" for "suspicious".

[Bruce Perens]

Well, I'm married and have a kid, and thus have more balance in my life than Eric and a lot more than Richard. In their defense, I'm not sure that either one can help it. But I won't stop showering, don't worry.

I want people to look into this stuff and find more evidence. I also want people to understand that we are touching the highest level of politics. I understand that some of this will only hit blogs, because it's less substantiated. I can deal with that that without making X-files out of it.

Bruce