[CLUG] [Fwd: Linux today, will there be a Linux tomorrow]

[Ronan Kirby]

Folks,

As we know there is a very real threat to Linux and the Free / Open
Source community at the moment, in the form of software patents. I'm
sure most of you know that the Irish EU Presidency secured a qualified
majority for a counter-proposal to the software patents directive.
However I don't want to get in to the nuts and bolts of that right now,
see more on-line.

In light of this, many of us will be asked for or even just offer
opinions on the matter. Be that over news groups, web forums, email or
in good old conversation. However it is important to remember who we are
addressing here while trying to get support - i.e. politicians,
journalists etcetera. The proponents of these patent laws would like to
depict the Open Source Community as extremists, radicals, duck squeezers
and so on. So its important that we carry ourselves with a certain
amount of decorum and uniformity (even if only from the outside :-)

So for this and other reasons I forward below a mail from Paul O'Malley
to ILUG this afternoon, which is well worth reading and following the
included link.

- Ronan

-----Forwarded Message-----
> From: Paul O'Malley <ompaul at eircom.net>
> To: ilug at linux.ie
> Subject: Linux today will there be a Linux tomorrow
> Date: Sun, 16 May 2004 13:11:04 +0100
> 
> Luggers,
> 
> Note this is not the committees opinion.
> 
> I know I have shot my mouth off more than once now I ask you, in earnest
> to read this mail and in particular the referenced materials at its
> foot.
> 
> To paraphrase Scott Adams: Participating and mocking are very close
> together.
> 
> Just a gentle reminder when it comes to the list that smashing nuts with
> sledge hammers is not a good way to communicate as people will just
> switch off or even worse, sign off. If you do not agree with someone
> fine, but lambasting is not good for the cause, and in the case of
> Linux.ie it is really unhelpful. The reason why is simple the function 
> of Linux.ie is to promote and support Linux in Ireland and to achieve
> that communication is necessary. Most people have forgotten that the
> written word is very stark, it has no tone, it has no emotion, in fact
> it lacks a personality, so when you use it do not forget to use >:->
> those little guys were designed to help the matter. 
> 
> During the last couple of weeks I obtained mail from people who where
> were concerned about what has passed over the last couple of weeks. 
> 
> What I have in mind, is a serious proposal that is that you consider the
> following:
> 
> http://linux.co.uk/Members/oddjob/howtos/Advocacy.html
> 
> In particular section 6 if not the whole lot. 
> After that it is up to you. 
> 
> Best regards, 
> 
> Paul O'Malley
> 
>