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Re: Second Life [Was: [Linux-aus] In the news today]
On 30/01/07, Kelly Daly <kelly@somewoman.com> wrote:
> So, I'd like to offer my support to Jeff's email and position.
>
> I really welcome the open-sourcing of their client (as I'd like to
> have a look to see what all the noise is about), but I think it's
> watering down our message if Linux Australia comes out and supports
> (what is currently) proprietary software.
Sorry Michael and Jeff - this just doesn't sit right with me...
That's ok :-)
So if I'm reading and interpreting the above correctly, we are saying that
if someone is TRYING to do the right thing we will snub them until they're
fully there - how does that help them? If we see someone trying to walk our
path and stumbling over real obstacles, is it right to ignore them unless
they manage to get to our preferred destination? Would it not be better to
say "here, let me help you, what support do you need?"
It's not a case of "we're snubbing you until we're there" but rather
(IMHO) "you won't get free software/open-source software organisations
saying you're cool and froody until you are there".
Am I suggesting that open-source/free software people shouldn't help
them "get there"? No, that's a personal choice, and I think I made my
position clear in my email - help them get there.
Am I saying that Linux Australia should not give it's "stamp of
approval" to SL? Yes, right now my opinion is that "we" (LA)
shouldn't. And that's because it's a closed, proprietry system right
now.
I think open-source organisations, like LA, should richly support
those companies who are out there doing open-source. And for those
honestly trying to get there? LA should help them (and in our
community that really means individuals contributing), but not get
endorsement until they are there.
If I can give an analogy, we've recently renovated our kitchen. Or at
least it's 90% done. It's been that way for 6 months - the company
hasn't been back to finish the job. They ring us occasionally for
money as we haven't paid all that we owe - if we pay them now what
chance do you think we have of getting the job finished? Sheesh - 6
months of time, and less than a day's effort of work remaining. No,
when they finish the job they get paid right away with much fanfare,
until then we keep on lobbying them to finish the job.
I think it's the same with SL.
At the end of the day, we've all got (good) opinions and that's ok.
Good luck LA executive finding a position your constituency is happy
with :-)
Happy, happy, joy, joy :-)
Michael...
--
Michael Davies "Do what you think is interesting, do somthing that
michael@the-davies.net you think is fun and worthwhile, because otherwise
http://michaeldavies.org you won't do it well anyway." -- Brian Kernighan