🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <4159@kluge.fiu.edu> acmfiu@serss0.fiu.edu (albert chin) writes:
>let's take another example. we all know that the FSF does not support
>the Macintosh as a computer platform for GNU software. now, let's say i
>want to port GNUsed to my Mac IIci. i also am aware that the FSF doesn't
>care about my port (i.e. they will not support it). however, does this
>mean that they will refuse to help me if i am stuck in a certain routine?
>if this is so, then the FSF does not believe in free software. what they
>do believe in is 'free software' insofar as the goals of the FSF are
>advanced. certainly i disagree with this too. while i might not want you
>to port my program XYZ to computer FOO, i certainly won't withold the
>knowledge of how the program works.

I would suggest you read the GNU's Bulletin that the Free Software Foundation
makes available.  The FSF is not trying to support its software on every
platform nor does it claim to offer support.  It states explicitly:

	"Not that it will be impossible to adapt some or all of GNU for other
	 architectures; but we don't currently consider it part of our job."

	"Completing the GNU system is more important to us."

While the FSF's decision not to distribute Apple ports is unique, its
position on support is fairly standard.  The FSF is working of producing all
the tools needed for an operating system.  The FSF does not have the staffing
or equipment to try to support every operating system (OS) and hardware
currently available.  For example:

	"Please don't ask us to devote effort to additional VMS support,
	 because it is peripheral to the GNU project."

	"We are willing to *pass along* support for Sun windows, but we
	 are not willing to let it distract us from what we are trying to
	 do."

One would hope that an experienced programmer could understand the operation
of the code given the source.  Failing that, if you are just interested in
how a program or routine works then post your general question to the
appropriate GNUsgroup.  There are a number of experienced programmers who
understand the GNU code and read and respond to posting in the appropriate
groups.

If you don't understand why a certain routine fails and you cannot figure
it out from the code and a general explanation of what the routine does
then I suggest you contact the company who sold you the hardware and/or OS.
If they are unable or refuse to help you then you should hire a consultant.
Once again, by consulting the GNU's Bulletin you would find out about the
Service Directory (prep.ai.mit.edu:/pub/gnu/etc/service).  The Service
Directory lists some of the consultants who are willing to help out others
when needed (usually for a fee).

The FSF is not your only source of GNU products or help with GNU products
and sensibly does not try to be.  The source that FSF produces is, however,
accessible and designed to stay that way and thus makes it possible for you
to find help elsewhere rather than forcing you to deal only with the FSF.

Aydin Edguer