Re: About the use of the term "anti-feature" in the FSD.

[David Hedlund]

On 2024-12-25 20:08, Lorenzo L. Ancora wrote:

@Craig

 I think we should reconsider the use of the term "anti-feature" and replace it with something a little more versatile.

"Anti-Features" aligns with the naming and categorization found on the F-Droid Anti-Features page.

Is the FSF holding any public agreements with F-Droid that would justify keeping such name?🤔

I don't know of any agreements with f-droid.[...] The problem is there are other potential aspects of a program which might be worth bringing to the attention of or explaining to a potential user.

I fully agree: the FSD has the occasion of distinguish itself, bringing novelty and ethical development on the table.
In particular, the complexity of ethics grows with the complexity of the applications, so the current system can't be considered future-proof.
Replacing the old concept with a more flexible one would surely ease the learning curve for both visitors and young volunteers.

"Anti-feature" is a word fit for technical issues, but surely the FSD needs to also address ethical issues.

The beginning of the new year would be a lucky occasion to introduce the concept of User Notice.


@David

I did not explicitly state that there is a public agreement with F-Droid.

The userbase can ask any question it deems appropriate

I believe there may be a language barrier at play here.

 to clear ambiguities.😅

Of course.

@all
 >  Agreed. For starters, can you please add new subsections of your examples to https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Free_Software_Directory:Antifeatures#Non-features ?

In 2016 Sullivan and Dr. Stallman noted that the names of the antifeatures were a bit too aggressive.
When the FSF needs more friends, appearing irrational or aggressive isn't a good calling card.🕊️

I suggest that the best course of action would be to implement the following redirections:

1. "Free_Software_Directory:Antifeatures" -> "Free_Software_Directory:UserWarnings"
2A. "Antifeature: Bait and surrender‏‎" -> "UserWarning: Tiered software"
2B.  "Software with Bait and Surrender antifeature‏‎" -> "UserWarning: Tiered software"
2C. "Software with Nonfree Compensation Software Promotion antifeature‏‎ " -> "UserWarning: Non-free software promotion‏‎"
2D. "Non-free software promotion‏‎ " -> "UserWarning: Non-free software promotion‏‎"
3. "Antifeature: Free fork needed!"‏‎ -> "UserWarning: Free fork missing"
4. "Antifeature: Software names with words to avoid: Linux‏‎" -> "UserWarning: Ambiguous terminology"

After that, the road ahead will be much less steep.⛰️

~Lorenzo

Looks good! I'm fine with you applying these changes. Do you agree, Crag?