On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 14:08, Bill Kerr<[email protected]> wrote: > On Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 7:18 PM, Bert Freudenberg <[email protected]> > wrote: >> >> On 28.08.2009, at 11:33, Bill Kerr wrote: >> >> > n Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 7:20 AM, Walter Bender >> > <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> === Sugar Digest === >> >> 4. The recent FSF campaign condemning the use of Windows 7 in >> >> education (See http://windows7sins.org/) imputes OLPC in complicity >> >> with Microsoft. It is disappointing that the FSF is not making any >> >> constructive arguments in favor of free software alternatives to >> >> Windows such as Sugar on GNU/Linux, which is currently shipped on >> >> every machine distributed by OLPC. >> > >> > http://windows7sins.org/#1 >> > When I first saw it I interpreted that page as contrasting the xo as >> > a positive alternative to Windows (and still think that is a valid >> > interpretation) >> > >> > When I read what walter wrote above later I was shocked to realise >> > that it could indeed be interpreted the way walter has, as well >> > >> > On revisiting I can't see any clarifying text there >> >> You need to click the "Learn more" link next to the XO picture. >> >> Citing from that concoction: >> >> "As a result, it is expected that the main effect of the OLPC project >> -- if it succeeds -- will be to turn millions of children into >> Microsoft dependents. That is a negative effect, to the point where >> the world would be better off if the OLPC project had never existed. >> The project tragically became yet another example of Microsoft >> exerting its control to ends harmful to society's freedom." >> >> It's tragic how they undermine their allies' efforts in their blind >> zealousness. > > I see it now, thanks Bert. I agree, it's far too zealous and purist. I agree > with Luke too. > ( I did click on that link before but it sometimes seems to just reload the > same page) > I do give the FSF an annual donation so I'll write to them and complain. I > thought the over zealousness came more from some FSF supporters than the > leadership but perhaps I was wrong.
What I think is bad about the campaign is that they say that the OLPC project is a vector for Microsoft when the truth is that it's being a great vector for free software, regardless of what their leaders wish or have said in the past. >From reading the FSF campaign, people are supposed to think that Microsoft is evil and OLPC bowed to their pressure and abandoned their principles. This, I think can have much less impact that if people learned that they can help us so more children have a great learning experience with free software. So I wouldn't ask FSF to stop bashing MS, I would ask them to publicize those projects that can have a big impact on their mission. Regards, Tomeu -- «Sugar Labs is anyone who participates in improving and using Sugar. What Sugar Labs does is determined by the participants.» - David Farning _______________________________________________ IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!) [email protected] http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
