Re: Woctave-another gui front end

[Przemek Klosowski]

> So, if Octave developers want to attract more users, instead of
> scaring them to death with GPL and its strings attached better
> explain them how Octave can use there problems _despite_ strings
> attached to GPL.
>
> And the _very_ first explanation should when it is allowed to link
> with non-free SW.

Sergei, you should know as well as I that the biggest problem with rigid 
ideologies is that they ignore reality, which always ends up badly. You 
have to be careful, however, that the opposite of ideology does not 
become another ideology.

You seem to equate freedom with rejecting the constrictions of GPL, but 
the empirical truth is that GPL has an excellent track record in 
providing useful technology, while alternatives that you consider truly 
'free' infrequently but persistently revert to proprietary and/or 
frustrating arrangements. A couple of examples off the top of my head: 
Linux kernel with closed video or wireless drivers; ghostscript with its 
advanced closed/proprietary enhancements; Evolution with Exchange 
plugins, and a whole bunch of 'seemingly free but with strings attached' 
scientific software, in the way of METIS. Often such non-free links not 
only affect the original free base, but hurt the entire project, by 
introducing confusion, fragility and duplication of effort.

You see your opponents as ideologues, but you need to consider a 
practical side to their argument---GPL is good at preventing such poor 
outcomes.

Finally, there's a very useful Boy Scout motto: "Leave it better than 
you found it". It applies to software, and also to mailing list 
discussions. My biggest problem with the recent traffic is that it 
didn't stand up to that high standard; I wish people would ask 
themselves before posting whether they have something novel and 
interesting to say, or whether it'll be just a repetitive go-around, or, 
worse, an ego-stroker at the expense of someone else. Did I satisfy my 
own criteria? I am not sure---so I will stop right here, then.