Re: `freeing' proprietary software (was Re: [DotGNU]Open Content Network: Free Software P2P)

[S11001001]

Adam Theo wrote:
> Free Software can take over the world, but it will not happen if it is 
> associated with breaking the law. This is the biggest thing I have 
> against RMS, in that he too often encourages this sort of thing. It can 
> happen, we just have to take the high road and not resort to petty 
> crimes to get what we want. So sorry, disagree with RMS (and I'm 
> assuming you as well) here  :-)

Well, I prefer to use Free Software or do without, as I do. But 
sometimes it is rather difficult to tell others to do the same. For 
example, I was talking with the technology coordinator at a school that 
is breaking from its corporation, and they need a new admin system. I 
chatted a bit about FS, but the progress on what projects I did find 
was, well, pathetic. I would have done it myself, but it appears to be 
too late, as they quickly set about evaluating proprietary solutions. It 
was a rather frustrating experience. I can just imagine going to them, 
GNU/Linux, Apache, and the plug-in impl. I came up with in hand, and 
having them say, `well, we already paid $xx,xxx for XXX.

I also have a friend who knows about FS, but prefers to use his cracked 
copy of WinXP.

I don't really have a coherent opinion; I don't ever want to be in that 
position, where I am forced to use proprietary software. Sorry to 
everyone who is.

--
Stephen Compall
DotGNU `Contributor' -- http://www.dotgnu.org

There has been another attempt to seize power. So far, the
aristocratic forces have been defeated.
        -- Radio Free OZ