Re: [GNU-linux-libre] Origin of the FLOSS terminology

[Anoop C S]

An interesting read:
https://opensource.com/business/16/11/open-source-not-free-software

On Thu, 2016-11-10 at 12:41 +0300, Jean Louis wrote:
> According to Wikipedia Article: Free and open-source software on:
> 
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_and_open-source_software
> 
> the word "FLOSS" originates from Mr. Rishab Ghosh and his Survey and
> Study, that may be found here:
> 
> http://flossproject.merit.unu.edu/
> 
> Where he himself, is making it clear on what is free software and what
> is open source:
> 
> http://flossproject.merit.unu.edu/report/Final4.htm#_Toc13908261
> 
> where he says, (quote
> 
> Members of the open source software community define "Open Source
> Software" as software that allows everybody to have a look at its
> source code and stress the practical benefits of such software, while
> aspects of freedom are rather neglected in the definition. "Open
> Source Software" contains a broader variety of software than it is
> allowed by the term "Free Software", it comprises free software as
> well as semi-free software and even certain proprietary programs.
> This may be the reason why the term "Open Source Software" is also
> ambiguous. While members of the respective community stress the
> closeness of their concept to the concept of "Free Software", it is
> often merely understood as a strategy to improve the opportunities to
> "sell" ( http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html
> ) the software more effectively to users, especially to business
> companies. )
> 
> A study by anyone, who is encompassing both "open source" and free
> software, shall not be basis for a Free System Distribution.
> 
> That is why each Free System Distribution shall have an intention to
> teach others about the free software, and to point out why free
> software is not open source software. Details are of the importance
> for future.
> 
> There are words to avoid, and one of those words is FLOSS. Open Source
> is not about freedom in terms of 4 freedoms as defined at GNU
> website. It shall not be mixed.
> 
> An operating system distribution that promises to include FLOSS
> software into the distribution, automatically allows semi-free and
> even proprietary software, by the definition. And it attracts and
> invites development of "open source" which implies further limitations
> of the "open source" movement.
> 
> Jean Louis
>