Re: [GNU-linux-libre] Request for Endorsement for ConnochaetOS

[Sam Geeraerts]

Henry Jensen wrote:
> On Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:00:22 +0200
> Sam Geeraerts <address@hidden> wrote:
> > In any case, it's clear that using the term "free software" over "open 
> > source" should be encouraged within FSDG distro communities. I think 
> > it's not necessary to make an FSDG rule for this, but that it's an 
> > indicator of a community's strength.
>
> I am not sure what you mean by "a community's strength." 

I mean commitment to software freedom. Using the term "open source" is 
not a big problem in itself, but it invites scrutiny to the project. 
Kind of like when someone disposing of a lot of empty wine bottles: not 
a problem in itself, but it could make you wonder if he has an alcohol 
problem.

> I agree that it is good to encourage the term "free software" over
> "open source". But I still don't think that this is a crucial point.

Indeed, I said encourage, not mandate.

> Like you said, many say "open source" when they mean "free software". 
> I admit, sometimes I use the term "open source" as well in discussions 
> when I speak with people who are unfamiliar with free software -
> because the term "open source" is more known than "free software" and
> "free software" is confused with "Freeware" very often. Often there is
> simply not enough time to explain the difference between "Freeware" and
> "free software". What matters is the message that is transmitted.

It's unfortunate that the term is confusing. That's why it's even better 
to say "software freedom" when the situation allows. I see what you 
mean, but this thread is about communication within a free distro 
community. I doubt that confusion with "freeware" is much of a problem 
there. If it is, then it's easily solved with a refence to a webpage 
written for this purpose or to gnu.org.