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.

  • @pingveno@lemmy.ml
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    41 year ago

    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.

      • @pingveno@lemmy.ml
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        1 year ago

        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.

    • @ozamidas@lemmy.ml
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      41 year ago

      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.

    • Captain Beyond
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      21 year ago

      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.

    • @m532@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      Just GNU. GNU is the OS. They don’t call android Android/Linux either.

    • Fluffery
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      11 year ago

      Meant to get clicks, I personally think they’re trying too hard

  • @Sagar
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    01 year ago

    It’s a bad article. RMS is perfect in his thinking even today.

    • @salarua
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      01 year ago

      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

      • @Sagar
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        11 year ago

        Media prints what it is paid to print.

        If truth is controversial, be it. We’re with RMS.

        • @salarua
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          21 year ago

          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

          • @Sagar
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            01 year ago

            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.