Re: “Free Software”: An idea whose time has passed?

[Jim]

   On 3/25/21 3:33 PM, Danny Spitzberg wrote:

   Interesting perspective, worth engaging with. It covers everything from
   the term free/libre and beer, to Microsoft and IEC 62304, to not
   getting credit and reactionary attitudes.



“Free Software”: An idea whose time has passed

   [1]Robert M. Lefkowitz

   Almost forty years ago, in 1985, the idea of “Free Software” was born.

   ...

   It's always good to hear criticism; it keeps us on our toes and honest.

   I actually think this is as great a time for software freedom as ever.
   Personally I am a "user" who is not a developer, programmer, or
   sysadmin.  I use Free Software because I feel respected as a user.

   Some years ago my wife asked me "What precisely is the harm in using
   proprietary software?"  This caused me to think very carefully, and I
   actually unearthed some of the concepts the author mentioned.  And
   also, of what value is software freedom to a non-programmer?  I posted
   my thoughts here:
   [1]https://internetperdition.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/seek-freedom-not-
   permission/

   The author refers to "political" software but I would say that all
   transactions involve power (and if you're not watching for power
   dynamics everywhere all the time then wise up!).  And we have negotiate
   power relationships when we procure things we need.  When I buy a
   pencil, my relationship with the manufacturer is very limited, so the
   power concerns are minimal; when I buy a car I have a limited ongoing
   relationship with the manufacturer, but still the car company has
   limited power to coerce me after the sale.  I can go to third-party
   dealers, roads are roads, etc.  Software, however, is so complex that
   the possibilities for coercion are limited by engineers' creativity.
   The means of consumer protection, from least protective to most, are as
   follows:
    1. Government regulation
    2. Market competition
    3. Open standards for files and protocols (to prevent vendor lock-in)
    4. Available source code with full rights and capabilities to fork
       (software freedom)

   The author can call me a conspiracy theorist but I don't have regrets
   about adopting the most protective regime available.  Maybe it's more
   protection than I need, but I don't have to be constantly deciding how
   much protection I need.

   I see some trends that suggest an opening from Free Software, if we can
   take advantage of them.  Concern /disgust with surveillance is growing,
   as is distrust of Big Tech.  "Open source" used to get all the media
   hype but I think the sense has grown that that movement cares nothing
   for ethics or users, it's a vehicle for Big Tech and Big Tech
   wannabe's.  There's an appetite for a line of products and a software
   stack that "respects your freedom" if it is convenient to use and
   integrated.  People *do* want to be respected!  They just don't know
   where to find it, and they don't want to have to assemble it.

   Now to edit this down and post comments to the author....

   Jim Garrett

References

   1. 
https://internetperdition.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/seek-freedom-not-permission/