Re: Questions for the candidates

[Behdad Esfahbod <behdad behdad org>]

On 06/09/2009 11:31 PM, Behdad Esfahbod wrote:

> > What do you think GNOME should do to support the
> > broader cause of free/libre software,
> > and the freedom of computer users?
>
> I think the "look, our source code is Free Software" argument has lost a
> lot of appeal in where GNOME has headed in the past and continues to
> head. Free-ness is just one of the multiple reasons why GNOME is "Good".
> Usability, a11y, i18n, etc are equally important. So I don't think GNOME
> can afford supporting the free/libre software cause more than, say, FSF
> does.

Reading this after a good night's sleep, I think I didn't exactly write what I 
mean.  What I mean is:

While freedom is not our only selling point from a marketing point of view, 
it's perhaps the most important ingredient of how GNOME works, and we should 
embrace it where we can.  I support GNOME's involvement with the broader cause 
of software freedom.  I like us get more involved in issues like software 
patents or DRM, perhaps by partnering with FSF.  Thinking about it with my 
board hat on though, chances of that happening will be much much higher if FSF 
just asked us.  We never got any request, and well, been busy enough with 
other stuff.

behdad

> On the freedom side however, that's where GNOME cares. A lot. Open
> standards, open formats, no lock-in, etc, are *very* important to
> achieve our goals of usability, a11y, etc, and I like to see GNOME work
> more closely with FSF and other parties on fighting against free
> standards issues as well as freedom of owning one's data.