I think we should consider using the term «libre software» wich is unambiguous.
2011/8/21 Henry Jensen <[email protected]> > Hello Sam, > > On Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:00:22 +0200 > Sam Geeraerts <[email protected]> wrote: > > > In any case, it's clear that using the term "free software" over "open > > source" should be encouraged within FSDG distro communities. I think > > it's not necessary to make an FSDG rule for this, but that it's an > > indicator of a community's strength. > > I am not sure what you mean by "a community's strength." > > I agree that it is good to encourage the term "free software" over > "open source". But I still don't think that this is a crucial point. > > Like you said, many say "open source" when they mean "free software". > I admit, sometimes I use the term "open source" as well in discussions > when I speak with people who are unfamiliar with free software - > because the term "open source" is more known than "free software" and > "free software" is confused with "Freeware" very often. Often there is > simply not enough time to explain the difference between "Freeware" and > "free software". What matters is the message that is transmitted. > > For example, if I tell someone who is unfamiliar with free software > "With open source software you have the freedom to use and to modify > the software, and additionally to redistribute the software and your > modifications. That's why I recommend to use it" it should be clear > what I mean. If I would use the term "free software" instead and the > person confuses it with "Freeware" this would lead to false conclusion. > This example isn't out of the blue, it really happened once, when > someone redistributed a "Freeware" program, which was forbidden by the > license of that proprietary program. "But you said, that I can ..." Bad > mistake. > > I prefer the term "free software" as well, and as I told before, I am > willing to correct the term "open source" in our wiki if and when I > encounter it. But as long as the criteria of the FSDG are met (i. e. no > non-free software is recommended) I don't see a reason to establish > some kind of authentic language. > > > > Regards, > > Henry > > > > > > > > > >
