[ILUG] A possible use for the ILUG's money?

[Brian Galbraith]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Justin Mason" <jm at jmason.org>
To: "Paul Jakma" <paul at clubi.ie>
Cc: "Brian Galbraith" <bgalbraith at penguinpowered.com>; <ilug at linux.ie>
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2000 12:45 PM
Subject: Re: [ILUG] A possible use for the ILUG's money?


> Paul Jakma said:
>
> > take away the ideals, and linux will crumble. This is why it's vital
> > that everyone involved understands the ideals, because they are what
> > sustain Linux and the general development around it.
>
> agreed!
>
> > If the business community ignores the ideals, and goes at it with the
> > attitudes you've detailed (Linux == Product. User == Customer,
> > Developer == Dogs Body, ie the same old shit) then i'm willing to bet
> > the Business community will find that in 5 years time there will be
> > no Linux 'Market' to make money from.
>
And I agree entirely.......I am not being deliberately critical of Debian,
in general...just in this particular instance. Correct me if I am
wrong..but I am assuming that there will be a business slant at this show?
The likes of SuSE, Redhat et al, are not just software distributors...they
are service providers. They provide a GPL'd distribution and support.Any
additional software is  an option which is available if the user wants it.
As far as making money is concerned....The GPL allows this too. All the
distributors supply and distribute Linux according to the
restrictions/terms of the GPL...as do Debian. It is their own self imposed
restrictions which make them different from the others.

Linux is for enthusiasts..it always has been and always will be....but we
are all trying to extend its use into everyday life ie desktop etc. Linux
is moving  forward, because of the cooperation and ideals of the whole
community....a marriage of ideals and practicality. ILUG will have a stand
at the exhibition in Dublin, because of cooperation from the business
community. We do not think it is our God given right to be there, and
consequently it is not Debian's God given right to be at the exhibition in
the UK.

So for the record....I am not a rampant capatilist who intends to bleed
the Linux community white. I believe in the community ideals.....but the
only way to protect and influence that community is to be part of it, and
influence it from the inside. If you don't move forward you move back. The
comment was passed that Debian wanted to use their available funds for
development, but Corel and Stormix have taken Debian, and made more
userfriendly distributions, and that is where the results will be seen.

Regards

Brian