What you are saying makes sense to me, and I've made similar statements
recently. After doing a lot of posting here, and even more reading, my
present view of the dilemma is as follows:
1.) People who are interested enough to debate are usually interested enough
to make the changes.
2.) People who are not interested in debate seem to be persuaded by
privacy/surveillance issues, but they want an easy way to make initial
changes; They want concessions.
3.) Making concessions can just appear like weak resolve and a lack of
integrity.
This leads to my current view that what is most important is making the most
of people who are already in the community. Less debate amongst one another
on how to convince on the individual level, and more activism.
For example, for those of us in the U.S., I would love to see a University
commit to changing to libre software. I don't think this has happened yet in
the U.S. It could have a tremendous impact if it influences other
universities, etc... Going to the streets like the campaign against DRM.
Real grass roots stuff.
It is not just a question of integrity of words in a debate, and it is not
just a question of integrity in private actions. It is also about a display
of integrity on a large public scale.
Also, I think it is important to accept and admit when you are wrong whether
it is in a debate setting or not. We are human and we make mistakes and we
learn from them (hopefully). Previously I was suggesting we attract the
masses with a movie and then have a program with several steps to help people
to transition to Trisquel. I still think that is a reasonable idea if
implemented properly. However, my thinking today is about using who we have
in a more intense public way.
If you think you see a better idea, don't reject it just because it may
conflict with an earlier one. That is not a lack of integrity. That is
mental flexibility and intelligence. To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, "A foolish
consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds..."
Since I have yet to meet anybody here with a 'little mind', I feel very
hopeful about the opportunities available to us.
