On September 8, 2016 8:16:12 AM GMT-05:00, Georgia Young <[email protected]> wrote: >Hi everyone - I'm Georgia, the program manager for the FSF. I oversee >LibrePlanet (the conference) and also read this list. > >On 09/08/2016 01:53 AM, [email protected] >wrote: >>> > Sarcasm and humour don't translate well in a mailing list. And on >an >>> > international list like LibrePlanet cultural differences and >language >>> > differences make sly digs potentially offensive, never mind that >it >>> > completely defeats good communication. >>> > > >I agree with Bob on this point. > >>> > It would set a good example to treat proprietary software >companies >>> > with the same respect we expect to get for upholding ethics and >>> > freedom for users. That means not perverting their names in an >attempt >>> > at humour, and not attributing malice where none exists. >> I agree that cultural differences might make it difficult, but I find >> it really hard to see how perverting a proprietary software company's >> name could offend anybody. > >It can. For example, I know of a proprietary company's name that some >have changed into a word that contained an expletive - that is >offensive >to some. I won't be repeating that name here :) > >> >> I totally disagree that we should treat proprietary companies with >any >> respect. They disrespect their users all the time, so why should they >> expect good treatment? By perverting the name, you are not giving it >any >> advertisement, all while making it memorable for anybody that asks >the >> original meaning. > >That is one argument. I actually find twisting a company's name makes >it >*more* memorable. After all, PayPal is a pretty bland name. > >> >> I am so sick of this new society quirk of trying not to offend >anybody >> and I certainly don't want to see it in a mailing list. >> It doesn't make communication any more clear, it censors the people >> participating in it by limiting their speech to "unoffensive" >comments >> only, if anything. "Offensiveness" is a very subjective topic. >Perhaps >> saying that the ocean is blue is offensive to people who think >> otherwise or have color blindness or something. > >Serge, you've explained your reasons for saying "PayEnemy" - thank you. >However, the aim of clear communication is to create community, not to >avoid offending anyone. This conversation started because someone *was* >confused by the term you used. > >The LibrePlanet mailing list, as Bob pointed out, is a community list >used by free software enthusiasts around the world. In order to be as >welcoming as possible to all (even those who aren't yet convinced that >they need free software), we need to agree to some standards for our >discourse. These are simple: be decent, use honest and direct >communication, and always respect each other. If a pun is confusing to >some, even if you like it, you might choose to stop using it, in the >interest of clear communication. > >Thanks, everybody. > >-- >Georgia Young >Program Manager >Free Software Foundation
Great points Georgia. Ad hominem attacks will not advance Free Software. That being said, as a Facebook objector and Shunner of Apple/Microsoft software, services and hardware, I often mock these companies. Its a way to cope with my fear and frustration of what they have done to human advancement. That does help me communicate in a higher register when I proselytize Free Software. I also helps me stay sane in a world of anti-freedom. In short I think nicknaming can be useful, in the correct context. Especially if it can be used skillfully to "market" FOSS and overcome legacy concepts of Intellectual Property. -- TechLibre.net Where your technology finds liberty. TEFL certified English Teacher Registered GNU/Linux User #491032 Registered Ubuntu User #27631
