Bruce Perens wrote:
Joshua D. Drake wrote:
This is important because as new groups sign up, they are going to have
differing ideals about things like software patents.
Actually, I think that a pro-software-patenting organization would be in
conflict with SPI's stated purpose for existence, which is to build,
promote, and educate about Free Software. Software patents are the very
best way I know of to promote Free Software.
You are missing the point :). The organization is not relevant here. It
is the companies that give to the organization. PostgreSQL in particular
has a large portfolio of very large companies that would frown on us
taking any public, political stance in that regard.
Sounds like lobbying not education.
Some of it. But SPI can't, for example, donate to a political campaign
as lobbyists often do. We'd lose our 501(c)3 status.
Are you kidding? If you believe so strongly in the anti-software
patent, join an existing PAC... Keep the movement focused. Don't
splinter it to the point where it's not relevant.
1. There is no such PAC today. That is a problem we need to work on, but
it's outside of the 501(c)3 guidelines.
We as in the FOSS community? Or we as in SPI. I am with you on the former.
2. Saving Free Software from software patenting is a heck of a lot more
relevant than managing a checkbook.
You mean like this?
* to support, encourage and promote the creation and development
of software available to the general public;
* to organize, hold and conduct meetings, discussions and forums
on contemporary issues concerning the use of computers and computer
software;
* to foster, promote and increase access to software systems
available to the general public;
* to aid, assist, cooperate, co-sponsor and otherwise engage in
concerted action with private, educational and governmental
organizations and associations on all issues and matters concerning
the use of computers and computer software
and generally
Yes, exactly like that.
Which does not fall under the pervue of what you are trying to sell :).
Lets focus on those first, at least in terms of the SPI.
Joshua D. Drake
Thanks
Bruce
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