Re: FSF, terminology, and marketing

[Shane Fagan <shanepatrickfagan ubuntu com>]

So then we just use "GNU/Linux" and "Free and Open Source". Its not too
hard to do.
On Fri, 2009-09-18 at 17:41 -0500, Brian Cameron wrote:
> Shane:
> 
> > Well I dont think many people outside of FSF care. Its harder to say
> > GNU/Linux and more people simply call it just linux. We should respect
> > the FSF but its not a big deal in my opinion. Its just politics. 
> 
> It may be politics, but within the context of the GNOME marketing-list,
> there should be some sensitivity to politics.  The GNOME Foundation does
> have relationships with various governments and does try to encourage
> them to use free and open source solutions, for example.  So, our
> messaging should be consistent, and I think we should not discount
> something in this forum for being "just politics".
> 
> Having a good relationship with the FSF is important.  At the moment, we
> are doing a joint Women's Outreach program with them.  The GNOME
> Foundation also has certain benefits, like the fact that we are able
> to use the Software Freedom Law Center due to our free software status.
> By working with the FSF, and following their recommendations, we may
> find that more doors open, and we may find more opportunities to do
> interesting and positive things with them and other free software
> organizations.  Aside from the fact that promoting free software with
> the terminology we use may be just a "good thing" for any free software
> community to do.  If we choose not to follow their recommendations we
> may be like that uncle who always says inappropriate things and never
> gets invited to certain parties.
> 
> However, as I said before, we do need to consider how the terminology
> we use affects our other partners, such as our advisory board members.
> Improving our relationship with the FSF at the expense of our
> relationship with others, or with the public at large, might not be a
> good idea.  However, I do not think we can make a decision without first
> talking about it amongst ourselves and with our advisory board members.
> So, I think it is a good idea to do both before making any sort of
> decision.
> 
> Brian
>