I realize this is true and that their are real barriers to establishing a
true Libre product that is not a refurbished unit, but is instead a brand new
unit. I don't challenge this one bit. I also realize that opportunities like
those with Ubuntu-Mate from a business sense have to be seized on.
At the same time I have a real problem with companies misusing words that
have a very specific meaning in a way that communicates to those who do not
yet understand the terminology that those words mean something different than
they do in reality.
The word "Libre" means completely free, not free in the future, free right
this minute. The "Librebox" is not Libre, it incorrectly uses the term. As
such it causes confusion with people new to the Libre movement. Further on
the website the Trisquel distro shares billing with multiple non-free
systems, yet the distinction is never made. For example one could easily
surmise from visiting the site that Firefox OS, Ubuntu-Mate, and Jolla are
free software when none of them are. Indeed, one does not even find out that
the "Librebox", even with Trisquel uses a non-free bootloader until they get
to the order page.
I share your excitement for freedom, free software,and the libre movement. At
the same time you need to take a hard look at your sales pitch and branding.
Right now you run the risk of alienating those who would love to support you.
Take for example Think Penguin. They are very careful with their branding and
do a much better job spelling out what is and is not libre. Like your company
they preload Trisquel and other non-free distros. I have no issue with this
and have been a repeat customer of theirs. At the same time if they started
using terms like "free software" and "Libre" as liberally as your company
does I'd probably stop buying from them.
Even the company name is problematic. Firstly it doesn't reflect most of what
your company even does currently, but rather what it aspires to. The first
thing one sees when going to the page is "LibreTrend: Power to Embrace
Freedom" followed immediately by "We have the pleasure to announce our new
partnership with Ubuntu-mate". Ubuntu-mate isn't libre, further Trisquel
appears no where on the page and is the only libre product you carry.
I hope this clearly spells out why folks in this thread have been less than
supportive of your efforts, some even being hostile to it. A similar problem
happened with Purism and it has resulted in this community becoming very
hostile to the product because many of its claims seem disingenuous if not
deliberate lies to sell units. I take the tact with Libretrend that its a
very well meaning group of people that haven't really thought things out as
opportunities have shifted priorities. I hope you take this comment as
feedback on how to improve your companies status with the community and not
end up like Purism.
