Interesting perspective by Drew DeVault on where the FSF fits in the current landscape of FOSS and what it needs to do to stay relevant.
I would love to see the “but it’s GNU/Linux!” shouts ended. In days of yore there was a case that you really were using the Linux kernel with a predominantly GNU user land, true. But now other projects like browsers, desktop environments, and office suites make up a much greater share of the code in a given system and the GNU portions can usually be swapped out. Insisting that GNU be put on a pedestal does a disservice to the rest of the ecosystem. Also, GNU/Linux just sounds clumsy, unlike Linux. Something that rolls off the tongue is its own virtue.
For the most part yes, but there are still adherents to “GNU/Linux” that will talk your ear off if you give them the air and an excuse.
While it does sound clumsy, it also doesnt sound like a brand, and i appreciate that.
The part that i appreciate the most about free software is its community. I think GNU/Linux highlights that more than pronouncing the name of a single project.
This does not concern at all the posted article.
From the article:
Hammering on about “GNU/Linux” nomenclature
Insisting that GNU be put on a pedestal does a disservice to the rest of the ecosystem.
Interestingly, this is the exact same argument I make against putting Linux on a pedestal.
Just GNU. GNU is the OS. They don’t call android Android/Linux either.
Title: FSF is dying
Article: FSF is too niche
Meant to get clicks, I personally think they’re trying too hard
This is a bit of an exaggeration
It’s a bad article. RMS is perfect in his thinking even today.
it’s not about his thinking, it’s about his public image and how it reflects on the FSF. he’s controversial, and a controversial leader is exactly not what the FSF needs
Media prints what it is paid to print.
If truth is controversial, be it. We’re with RMS.
i’m not saying RMS is wrong at all. all i’m saying is that if the FSF wants to reach more people, a certain amount of pragmatism is required. RMS, his ideology aside, has a tarnished reputation. the FSF should keep his ideals of course, but have a new champion, one who more people can identify with and who doesn’t have all the baggage that RMS has
Baggage, lol! Yes, I agree with you that RMS is less pragmatic. He requires things to be just as they would ideally be for the transition.
