Re: NOSI releases "Open Source Primer" for Nonprofits

Hi, Mark -- There are a few passing references to the free software 
movement and Richard Stallman's contributions in this regard.  The Primer 
was specifically written from a very pragmatist perspective rather than an 
ideological one, to help nonprofits understand what free and open source 
software is and assess whether it is right for them to try.  I do think 
that it is important to understand the underlying values of f/oss and how 
they, in many ways, align with those of the 'social sector' and nonprofits 
and NGOs.  Michelle and I have begun to actually write about this a little 
bit but have not gotten very far.  We'd welcome your contribution in this 
regard.

I have heard Richard speak as well and read his papers.  He has done much 
to spread the free software gospel, especially in developing 
countries.  But even the Free Software Foundation is sounding a more 
moderate tone these days, trying to articulate compellingly the values of 
f/oss without discounting the real and pragmatic issues that organizations 
face trying to deploy it.  I think both conversations are important to have 
without pitting them against each other as they really are complementary 
and mutually reinforcing in so many ways.  I personally think not much is 
gained by engaging in the high-pitched ideological battles that Raymond and 
Stallman engage in.

Incidentally, I am running a panel at the NTEN nonprofit technology 
conference on "Why should nonprofits care about free and open source 
software" where we will have, schedule permitting, the ED of the Free 
Software Foundation, Bradley Kuhn, speak precisely about the philosophical 
and ethical issues of free software.  There will be other panelists talking 
about pragmatic reasons for using Open Source, engaging in a dialogue on 
both angles.

Katrin


At 03:05 PM 2/19/2004, Mark Bucciarelli wrote:
>On Tuesday 17 February 2004 11:53 am, Katrin Verclas wrote:
>
> > NOSI, the Nonprofit Open Source Initiative, announces the
> > release of its new guide "Choosing and Using Open Source
> > Software: A Primer for Nonprofits."  It is available for
> > download at http://www.nosi.net
>
>Did anyone else read this?  I read it quickly, and I didn't see a single
>mention of software freedom.
>
>Saw RMS speak on Tuesday night, and he said he thinks that people who coined
>the term "open source" have succeeded in turning the discussion away from the
>philosophical and ethical concerns that led to GNU and the FSF.  Based on
>what I saw in this publication, he is certainly correct.
>
>Regards,
>
>Mark
>
>
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