VanLUG Email Archive
Ted Powell (ted@eslvcr.fireplug.net)
Mon, 16 Aug 1999 13:13:52 -0700
> Richard Stallman will be speaking at UBC on Thursday, September 23 from
> 4:00 - 5:30 pm as part of the CICSR Distinguished Lecturer Program. His
> topic: Freedomware - The GNU/Linux System and the Free Software
> Movement.
>
> Dr. Ward has asked VanLUG to help organize and advertise the event.
I hope rms can live with the fact that we aren't named VanG/LUG. (Come
to think of it, that has a bit of the flavour of "Brunix".)
I think we should all be sensitive to the fact that he is (reputed to
be) _very_ sensitive to the Linux vs GNU/Linux naming issue.
The following quote comes from the discussion of an article by rms at
http://features.linuxtoday.com/stories/8190.html
The article itself is well worth your attention, both as a sample of his
writing and because of the rather serious issue that it addresses:
U.S. Congress Threatens to Establish a New Kind of Monopoly
Arandir - Subject: Re: This is exactly why we need Richard
Stallman (1999-07-30 17:20:30)
Richard has always been a most elegant writer, and very few
people suggest he tone down his writing. On the other hand,
he is not the world's best speaker. I get the sense that
his passions flow very near the surface, and that the act
of writing gives him the time to temper his ideas. But when
he speaks his passions often come before his reasons. So
many of his interviews sound the same, I think, because he
has them rehearsed in order to avoid sounding like a "wild
eyed revolutionary" (someone else's description, not mine).
Case in point, his written arguments for calling Linux as
"GNU/Linux" are reasoned, intelligent and thoughtful. But
say "linux" all by itself to his face, as a certain reporter
did at the last LinuxWorld Expo, and you are apt to get
an earful of angry tirade.
I am glad that Richard is out there opposing bad laws,
promoting good software, and in general bringing some
sensibility back into the world. But that's no reason to
worship him.
--
(o- ted@psg.com http://psg.com/~ted/ (Ted Powell)
//\ The source is out there,
v_/_ and it's freely downloadable.
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