🚀 go-pugleaf

In Reply to this Note From: <Dan Lanciani>
[text deleted]
>
>	I hope no one takes this as a flame, but I suspect GNU/FSF
>proponents could help minimize incidents like this one by using
>more conventional terminology rather than inventing or redefining
>words that might have potentially misleading connotations.  While
>it in no way excuses Xircom from ignoring the terms of the license,
>I think the words ``free'' and ``copyleft'' as used by FSF are likely
>to confuse people not familiar with the GNU license agreement.
[text deleted]

While I agree that it is unwise to invent new terminology at random, I
do not perceive this as the cause of the problem.  'Copyleft' is clearly
slang, and anyone who assumes a meaning of ANY kind is bound to be
misled.  I would expect a good lawyer to be especially conscious of the
meaning of words, and so would not be misled.  

I agree there is some misunderstanding of the word 'Free' as used by the
GNU project.  It refers to intellectual freedom, and is coincidentely
accomplished by allowing information to be copied without charge.  The
FSF clearly explains this in the GPL.

It is incumbant upon the users of any intellectual work to respect the
terms of distribution as designated by the copyright holder.  If Xircom
failed to do this, it is their own fault.  I see no ambiguity in the GPL
that would confuse them.

As far as the boycott is concerned, I believe it is valid to boycott any
company that uses GNU software in violation of the GPL.  It is in fact
an option to sue them, but the FSF has chosen to boycott instead,
perhaps as an acknowledgement of the overuse of the legal system, and
the grass-roots nature of the GNU project.

With all due respect to Russ, I do not feel that these conditions are
met in this case.  A boycott is a very serious political move, and
should not be taken lightly.  If anyone is to take boycotts seriously,
they should be reserved for proven and persistent violations.

I do not plan on buying Xircom products, simply because I know of
nothing that they sell that I need.  -David-

david@wubios.wustl.edu                 ^        Mr. David J. Camp
david%wubios@wugate.wustl.edu        < * >      +1 314 382 0584
...!uunet!wugate!wubios!david          v        "Be kind to sinners."
"Concentration impedes Inspiration."  ---  "Depend on God, who has dominion."