Hi Bernhard,
I decided to join the list, to bother you a bit with my comments ;-)
I read the posting in the archive, therefor I copied it into the mail.
--------------- Bernhard wrote:
Saw a nive RMS interview, clarifying a lot of the FSF's positions:
http://www.ofb.biz/modules.php?name=3DNews&file=3Darticle&sid=3D125
And a journalist finally asks good questions:
OfB: What are some of the advantages of Free Software for businesses?
RMS: Free software means you control what your computer does. Non-free software means someone else controls that, and to some extent controls you. Non-free software keeps users divided and individually helpless; free software empowers the users. All these reasons apply just as well to business users as to individuals.
[...]
I read this argument quite often and think it's pretty useless in a broader few. The vast majority of users can't programm and is still depending on someone else. On a business level you are more likely to have someone being capable to give you this control or you can hire someone. On a private level that doesn't work and you are one or another way "controlled" by someone else.
If I tell many of the ordinary users about this they are most likely rolling their eyes or burst into laughter. It is a very programmercentric view with an elitest touch. I know this is not the intention, but it is easiely misunterstood. I'm picking on that, because we are talking about a greater idea and such an argument isn't really approachable for the majority of users.
Another point is the separation from some of the less free licenses. Even the beloved yast licence gives you the complete control. The problem is the distribution issue.
Cheers
Rainer