Re: [Fsfe-uk] Open Forum Europe at Linux Expo today ?

[Martyn]

Okay, Delurking and Debunking!

  I was there, at Mike's talk - Mike's a pretty decent guy really, I have had 
dealings with him in the past.

  He was asked about this very question, and he stated (as off the record as 
he could get in a public forum) :

  His statement on software patents was written form the point of view of - 
IF software patents were a done deal (and he was informed that they pretty 
much were, by the people asking him for a statement) then there should be 
exclusions for Free Software to safeguard the common interests.

  He also said (again as completely off-the-record as possible) that he had 
been told that any anti-patent statement would be discarded, as many others 
had already.

  He did admit that the situation had not been handled completely 
satisfactarily, and that he regretted that the statement was being used as it 
is.

  Okay,  I've put my neck out on this one (I sincerely hope he doesn't hate 
me for this one, he did ask for it to be off-record, although technically 
that was aimed at press-people), straight after I've paid my membership 
(finally!), but I'd rather not be quoted, I'm just giving my recall of what 
was said (which might not be totally accurate at this time of night, but the 
gist is there).

Martyn

On Thursday 26 June 2003 23:08, James Heald wrote:
> Was anybody from the list at the developers bit of the Linux Expo in
> Birmingham today (Thursday) ?
>
> I have just seen this piece on ZDnet,
>    European software patents 'a done deal'
>    http://news.zdnet.co.uk/story/0,,t269-s2136651,00.html
>
> which is based on a briefing from Mike Banahan of Open Forum Europe,
> peddling their line that we are all doomed and swpat is inevitable.
>
> It says that he was speaking today at the Linux User and Developer Expo
> in Birmingham.
>
> Unfortunately the Linux User website is down at the moment, so I can't
> see the programme for the conference bit.
>
> If anyone was in the conference, do you know whether he spoke there,
> and whether he was met with any reaction/opposition, or was this a
> briefing held in a corner ?
>
> If anyone knows, it would be quite useful info to have, to know the best
> line to take to rebut the piece.
>
> Cheers,
>
>    James.
>
>
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