Re: [Fsuk-manchester] Talking about non-free software on the list

[Pete Morris]

I don't claim to be the world's expert on free software, but as I understand 
it, the inception of the concept was built around the believe that people 
should be empowered. So far this past week I've read through what has amounted 
to some very emotion arguments that have absolutely nothing to do with 
empowering others and far more to do with winning an argument.

I rarely post to this list anymore because when I do I tend to find the 
resulting 'debate' is stressful. However I do continue to read what gets posted 
on it because it is often interesting to keep up to speed with the free 
software world. This last week hasn't been interesting at all and has reminded 
me more of a fundamentalist religion than a group of people seeking to empower 
others.

I personally find Debian remarkably 'free' to begin with. I use a mixture of 
Windows and Linux Mint, with the odd bit of Ubuntu Server thrown in. The fact 
that I am not 'pure blood' does not in and of itself mean that I am unable to 
have an interest in free software, nor that any comments I or others might make 
should be unwelcome. Might I suggest that if people are so vehemently opposed 
to speaking with others who are not exclusively of their own belief persuasion 
that they consider meeting up for a pint and a chat to air their points of view 
in person. It will give my inbox a rest if nothing else...

Many thanks

Pete